The over week-long strike of veterinary doctors and students ended on Wednesday. The decision to call off the strike was taken by Maharashtra Veterinary Students’ Association (Action Committee) following a respite by Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT).
The association had challenged the government order giving promotions to assistant animal husbandry officers as veterinary doctors in MAT. During the hearing on Wednesday, MAT ordered status-quo on the issue giving a respite to everybody. President of the association Dr Tejas Wankhede said looking at MAT order, the association has taken a decision to call off the strike.
It was a moment of celebration for the agitating doctors, who were protesting against the government order since last one week. Vice-Chancellor of Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Science University (MAFSU) Dr Ashish Paturkar on Wednesday invited the office-bearers of the association for talks as the strike had paralysed educational and veterinary medical services. In the meantime, the MAT delivered its verdict and the students started celebrating in Dr Paturkar’s chamber itself.
It may be mentioned that the State government on March 8 had issued an order where decision was taken to promote the assistant animal husbandry officer as para-vets. The association opposing this decision had launched strike on March 13. The agitation that began from Veterinary College, Seminary Hills, gradually spread to other parts of the state. Veterinary students of Mumbai, Parbhani, Shirval, Udgir and Akola had also participated in the agitation.
