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Punjab Vet doctors to hold massive protest in Tarn Taran ahead of by-election; Here’s why
Babushai Bureau
Mohali (Punjab), October 24, 2025: In a major escalation ahead of the Tarn Taran bye-election, veterinary doctors from across Punjab have announced a state-level protest and massive rally in Tarn Taran on November 2, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of betraying their long-pending demand for restoration of pay parity with medical doctors.
Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Convener of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Vets for Pay-Parity, said that veterinarians have been fighting for the last four and a half years to reinstate the 4-9-14 Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme and restore their initial pay scale of ₹56,100—reduced to ₹47,600 by the previous government in 2021.
He noted that the parity between veterinary and medical doctors had remained intact for 42 years before being arbitrarily disturbed. “We have exhausted every democratic channel, but the government’s silence has left us with no option but to take to the streets,” Dr. Singh said.
Earlier this year, the JAC had organized protests outside Deputy Directors’ offices on July 29, followed by a state-level rally at Khatkar Kalan on August 11. The next phase of agitation was temporarily postponed during Punjab’s devastating floods as veterinarians prioritized emergency animal rescue and disease control efforts.
However, despite multiple assurances and meetings with Animal Husbandry Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and the Sub-Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the JAC said the government has failed to deliver any concrete results.
“The Punjab Government’s apathy is in stark contrast to other states like Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Odisha—where veterinary officers receive the ₹56,100 pay scale,” said JAC Coordinator Dr. Tejinder Singh, calling the disparity “step-motherly treatment.”
JAC Media Advisor Dr. Gurinder Singh Walia added that Veterinary Officers, Senior Veterinary Officers, Assistant Directors, Deputy Directors, and retired vets from across Punjab will join the Tarn Taran protest on November 2.
“The government’s disregard has forced a highly educated class—dedicated to serving speechless animals—to come out on the streets. This is a matter of great shame,” Walia said.