Veterinary doctors stage massive protest demanding pay parity, DACP
Babushahi Bureau
Khatkar Kalan (SBS Nagar), August 12, 2025 — Veterinary doctors from Punjab’s Animal Husbandry Department gathered in large numbers today at the birthplace of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh to hold a state-level protest and march demanding restoration of pay parity with medical officers and implementation of Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP).
The protest was organized by the Joint Action Committee of Vets for Pay Parity (JAC), with participation from Veterinary Officers, Senior Veterinary Officers, Assistant and Deputy Directors from nearly every district in Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, JAC convener Dr. Gurcharan Singh condemned the Aam Aadmi Party government for neglecting the 42-year-long pay parity, which was abruptly broken in January 2021 by the previous Congress government when starting salaries were reduced from ₹56,100 to ₹47,600. He called this move a gross injustice and violation of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Supreme Court directives.
Dr. Singh questioned whether the current government would follow the ideals of Bhagat Singh, the youth icon of social justice, or continue the policies of the former Finance Minister Manpreet Badal.
He urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to intervene and resolve the demands promptly, warning that the veterinary community would intensify protests if ignored.
Co-conveners Dr. Puneet Malhotra and Dr. Abdul Majid highlighted that veterinary officers in several Union Territories and states, including Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, and others, enjoy pay parity with medical officers—making Punjab an outlier since 2021.
Committee coordinator Dr. Tejinder Singh emphasized the critical role veterinary doctors play in rural health and economy by treating animals, controlling diseases, and improving milk production, warning of adverse consequences if the government fails to act.
The protest featured anti-government slogans, banners, and speeches questioning the promises of both the current and previous governments. Retired veterinary doctors also joined in solidarity.
The event concluded with leaders paying tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh and submitting a joint memorandum demanding immediate government action.