Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 24 (EMN): The demand for meat in different forms is very high in Nagaland but production within the state remains very poor. The state’s veterinarians must become messengers to the Naga people towards becoming good producers as much as they are as consumers, while protecting consumers’ rights.
This was stated by Dr. Aomangyang Walling, the president of the Nagaland State Veterinary Council (NSVC) and the head of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services during the general conference of the Nagaland Veterinarians’ Association (NVA) at Hotel Japfü in Kohima on Thursday.
The official said the veterinary profession is demanded in many respects: social reformers, they can be economic revolutionists, they are technocrats and scientists who are needed whether in the field or in the policy making bodies. Towards this, he called upon the veterinarians to lead a pivotal role as required by their multi-dimensional role for the state and its people, more particularly in the economic aspect.
Stating that the NVA had come a long way since its inception in 1979, Walling encouraged younger entrants in the service to continue upholding the association’s motto of unity and be guided by the standards of professional conduct by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI). He reminded the gathering that their performance shall speak for their profession. He urged them to cultivate the respect that is associated with the profession.
Likewise, the official highlighted parts of the VCI guidelines that are vital for veterinarians to strictly adhere to. The guidelines include: the declaration and oath of veterinarians, character of veterinarians, standard and responsibilities, safeguarding the profession, exposure of unethical conduct etc. He called upon all the members of the NVA to make themselves assets of the state and the people. He pointed out that there were many who were already in the state services but as many who were yet to be employed.
However, according to Dr. Walling, once they are qualified in veterinary sciences, there cannot be ‘unemployment’ for them. He challenged all veterinarians to set a benchmark by making use of their knowledge and profession to make their presence felt in the society.
Also, Walling recalled a resolution of the association that veterinary professional should dispense their service to different departments and civic bodies wherever there are veterinary-related works. He asserted that veterinary professionals should be posted in any department executing the animal husbandry and livestock schemes.
The official encouraged the younger entrants in the services to come up with innovative programs and plans to expand the activities of the department. He urged the gathering to develop the attitude as demanded by the profession's multi-dimensional role.
Also, the president of the NVA Dr. Ilang highlighted in his address the achievements of the association since 2016 including its role in the establishment of Veterinary College at Jalukie, notification of the AH and VS service rules, affiliation to the national veterinary association, and the NVA's president being nominated to the Veterinary Council of India as member. He informed that the NVA was pursuing the exemption of veterinary doctors from election duty according to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
The association has resolved to propose to the state government creation of veterinary assistant surgeon posts and veterinary field assistant posts due to shortage of said professionals.
The NVA has elected a new team of office bearers for the next three years. The team is led by Dr. Ilang as president; Dr. Apilo Kikon is vice president and Dr. Imomanen Tzudir is general secretary, among four others.
