GOVERNMENT OF ASSAM.
The Governor and the Minister of Local Self-Government.
Extract from the Proceedings of the Government of Assam in the Local Self-
Government Department, No. 1008L.S.-G., dated the 18th August 1922.
READ—
The report of the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Assam, on the Administration of
the Civil Veterinary Department, Assam, for the year 1921-22 and the review thereon of the Director
of Land Records and Agriculture, Assam.
R E S O L U T I O N.
THE sanctioned strength of the veterinary establishment of the province is
one Superintendent, one Deputy Superintendent, three Inspectors and fifty-nine
Veterinary Assistants. The post of Deputy Superintendent, which had remained
vacant since its creation in 1912, was filled in May 1921 by the promotion of
Babu Guru Prasanna Sen, Inspector, and the number of Veterinary Assistants
increased during the year from 45 to 48. It is satisfactory to find that the high
proportion of resignations which was a feature of the previous year did not continue,
the only resignation which occurred being that of a newly appointed officer.
2. The year under review was comparatively free from contagious diseases among
animals, the total mortality from this cause being 30,594 as against 47,083 in the
previous year, while the outbreaks reported fell from 561 to 317. There was con-
sequently a large reduction in the number of preventive inoculations performed,
whilst there was a small increase in the number of cases treated both in the
hospitals and on tour for non-contagious diseases. The Government of Assam are
glad to see that Mr. McSwiney is able to report considerable improvement in the
work of the assistants.
3. The Department works in the main through the agency of the Local Boards
and the success of its operations depends very largely on these bodies. Once again
Government would desire to impress upon the Boards, their duties in this matter
and to express the hope that Chairmen and members will do all they can to
encourage the assistants in their work. It is most desirable that the cattle owner
should be brought to realise the importance of the prevention and control of con-
tagious diseases, and of the careful selection and proper feeding of his cattle; and
it is regrettable that certain Boards are unwilling or unable to hasten the process by
employing the veterinary staff which the Department considers to be required.
There was a small increase during the year in the number of stud bulls maintained by
local bodies.
4. During the year the Act for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was
extended to the Dimapur-Mao road in the Naga Hills district and to the British
portion of the Shillong-Charrapunjee road. The number of victimized animals sent to
hospital rose during the year from 25 to 40, and Government are glad to see that
Magistrates are making more use of their powers in this matter.
5. In conclusion Government have noted the names of those members of the
staff who have been specially mentioned in the Report, and desire to express their
appreciation of the good work done by Mr. Harris in the efficient management of
his Department.
ORDERED that a copy of this Resolution, of the Report without appendices, the
review of the Director of Land Records and Agricalture, Assam, and the Report on
the Veterinary Administration of the Manipur State be published in the Assam
Gazette for general information.
By order of the Government of Assam,
A. W. BOTHAM,
Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam
A. S. P. O. (D. L. R. & Agri.) No 10—829—21-8-1922—O. M. R.