1,800 vacancies cripple veterinary services across Karnataka

Koppal: Acute shortage of staff in the veterinary department, with nearly 1,800 posts lying vacant across the state, has severely affected implementation of govt programmes and delivery of services to farmers, officials said.

The department has continued with the old system of sanctioning only 38% of posts for several years. While districts such as Mysuru, Mandya, Kodagu, Bidar and Kalaburagi are said to be adequately staffed, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Raichur, Koppal, Vijayanagara and Ballari are facing an acute shortage of personnel.

In some districts, even Group D employees are unavailable to open hospital doors, while staff holding additional charges are managing day-to-day operations.

The issue has also figured prominently in legislative sessions. Karnataka has 4,534 veterinary institutions, including hospitals and clinics. During the last assembly session, 16 MLAs and 12 legislative council members raised 28 questions regarding vacancies in the department.

Legislators cited delays in recruitment and shortage of staff as hurdles in implementing government schemes and extending benefits to farmers. However, the govt has so far only furnished figures without taking concrete steps to fill vacancies, sources said.

“Just two years ago, the recruitment process for 400 posts was launched through KPSC. At that time, the internal reservation to be announced by the government delayed the recruitment,” a senior veterinary doctor from Vijayanagara, requesting anonymity, said.

He added that although the govt has now ordered internal reservation, technical issues have surfaced, likely delaying recruitment further. “At the same time, some promotion-related cases have reached the court, resulting in delays in filling posts. Because of this, implementation of most departmental programmes has nearly come to a standstill,” he said.

Amid the shortage, the govt has sanctioned 150 new veterinary hospitals across the state. Though these hospitals have been provided with essential medicines and furniture, many are functioning without dedicated buildings or staff.

“In Koppal, out of 465 sanctioned posts, only 131 are filled, and 234 are vacant. It is a matter of concern that out of 79 sanctioned doctor posts, only 25 are filled,” said Dr Mallayya, deputy director of the veterinary department.

In Vijayanagara district, all five veterinary hospitals in Huvina Hadagali taluk are functioning without staff. “Personnel from neighbouring hospitals are being deputed to manage the work. Because of this, it is difficult to implement programmes effectively,” said Dr Narayan Banakar, chief veterinary officer, Huivanhadagali.

With the onset of monsoon and the beginning of agriculture-related activities, the severe shortage of staff in the veterinary department has become a major concern among farming communities.