Veterinary college students on Wednesday staged a protest at the local Sub-Collector office demanding upgradation of Rural Livestock Units (RLUs) as veterinary dispensaries, so as to address their mounting unemployment concerns.
Interacting with media, the protesters said that more than 700 qualified graduates, across three veterinary colleges in Tirupati, Gannavaram and Proddatur, are jobless prompting them to organise the demonstration.
Quality services
“There are about 1505 RLUs in the State, which are being run by para-staff instead of veterinary doctors. Why cannot the State government appoint a veterinary doctor (at least) to offer quality services to the people, addressing our unemployment. About Rs.30 lakh is spent on every student, why not utilise our services?” said N. Satish, a veterinary college student in Tirupati.
Pointing out to the lapses in the existing RLUs, the protesters maintained that several units were being maintained by one veterinary doctor, bringing down the quality of services.
“How can a compounder/para-staff undertake surgeries or dispense proper diagnosis, when they are appointed to carry out minimum veterinary services?” they questioned.
The students have also opposed GO Nos. 97 and 17, which concerns Chandranna Veterinary Mobile Clinics and construction of a new veterinary college in Vizianagaram.
“What is the use of such colleges if students cannot be employed,” they said.
Vet students say over 700 graduates from three colleges are unemployed in the State
