In an unusual development pointing to staff shortage on account of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation strike, government veterinary doctors were instructed to work at the Wanaparthy Bus Depot.
The office of the district Collector in Wanaparthy on October 14 instructed four assistant veterinary surgeons to report to the TSTRC Wanaparthy Depot Manager with immediate effect. They were also directed to follow the latter’s instructions.
The four veterinary doctors, who are veterinary assistant surgeons, are posted at the primary veterinary centres in Kothakota, Pebbair, Srirangapur and Pangal. Sources said that the four veterinary doctors received the instructions on Monday night. They also said that the four were unaware of the nature of duties they are expected to discharge at the depot. Other sources aware of the situation said that it is likely that they would be expected to work as computer operators.
Alarmed at the development, Telangana Veterinary Assistant Surgeon Association office-bearer Dr. U.S. Reddy met Wanaparthy District Collector Swetha Mohanty. “We met the Collector. Unfortunately, we did not get clarity. What has been asked of them is against the Veterinary Council of India rules. Much like the Medical Council of India, the VCI has rules which should not be contradicted,” he said.
While the four doctors did not report to the bus depot, Dr. Reddy said that if the order is not withdrawn, the union would bring the issue to the attention of Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Dr. K. Laxma Reddy. “We will call other veterinary doctors to join us and organise a sit-in at the office of the Department of Animal Husbandry if the proceeding is not withdrawn. We plan to do this on October 19,” Dr Reddy said.
When contacted, Ms. Swetha Mohanty clarified that there was a need of personnel at the bus depot. However, the order has been withdrawn.
