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685. I would indeed be sorry to see any dispensary started on these lines.
If enquiry is made, I believe it will be found that Veterinary Assistants are
only supplied with a pocket case of instruments, and even these are not always
furnished; they are also inadequately supplied with medicines. To start, there-
fore, on such a basis would be suicidal to the success of these institutions. The
remark referring to the accommodation for animals would show how utterly
unworkable this scheme is, for, unless the zemindars feel that their cattle will
receive at least that comfort and care which they themselves are able to give
them, they are not likely to resort to the dispensary when their cattle require
treatment.
Punjab.
686. The dispensaries in the Punjab are doing most excellent work. I
greatly regret that the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North
Punjab, makes but little allusion to these very important institutions, nor does
he even give any statistics which show the number of cases treated. The
Superintendent, South Punjab, however, enters fully into the question and
shows that 11,547 cases were treated against 10,100 last year ; the increase is
satisfactory.
687. I cannot close this section referring to dispensaries without remark-
ing on the good work done by these institutions ; they are only in existence in
Bombay, Bengal, Punjab, Berar and Central Provinces, and in these Provinces
(including North Punjab from which returns are not received) we find that
48,428 cases were treated. The value of these institutions to the ryots and the
suffering which is saved to our patients by humane treatment cannot be over-
estimated.
VETERINARY ASSISTANTS.
688. The scheme for the formation of a Subordinate Veterinary Establish-
ment which has engaged the attention of the Government of India for a long
time has not as yet been promulgated, but I am pleased to hear that there is
every chance of its being issued shortly.
689. Local Governments not knowing the wishes of Government on the
subject have naturally delayed in giving this important subject their attention,
and in this way development has in some instances been retarded.
690. I have frequently brought to notice the necessity for some organiz-
ation and supervision of the Veterinary Assistants especially in provinces like
the Punjab and the North-West, where a number are employed. Remarking
on this subject, the Principal, Lahore Veterinary College, states:—
"I deem it necessary to again draw attention to the very pressing necessity for the proper organization of
Veterinary Assistants employed by District Boards. This is a subject which concerns this college, as complaints
are sometimes heard as to the manner in which they perform their duties. Under the present want of system,
there is great waste of power. Men have hitherto been posted to districts, many of them fresh from the college
and lacking that confidence in themselves which can only be obtained after they get their Diplomas. These men
have been given straight away important charges, often of a large extent of country over which they tour in a
haphazard fashion.
" When I was holding the Office of Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab, the Veteri-
nary Assistants I came across had no one to supervise them who knew anything of the nature of their duties, no
orders for their guidance, and in some cases no instruments or medicines. In outbreaks of cattle plague an
individual Veterinary Assistant was often sent out unsupported by any authority, to do what he could and advise,
but beyond reporting measures adopted by the people themselves, which often proved very interesting, it is
doubtful if he did much good. On the other hand, instances are not wanting where these men have done good
work under favorable conditions. In outbreaks of plague, such as Rinderpest, the collective action of my Veter-
inary Assistants is required, brought together from several districts if necessary, under a senior, with power to
take such measures as are considered advisable to prevent the spread of the disease."
691. I am glad to state that the Punjab Government is now formulating
a scheme whereby we shall have in that Province a Superintendent who will
deal solely with all questions affecting the welfare of cattle, and who will also
take upon himself the supervision of all Veterinary Assistants employed by
District Boards for the treatment of bovines. The scheme also provides for a
graded service, and I trust before the expiration of the present year to see
it in working order. This will be, as it were, a trial, and on its success will de-
pend similar development to a greater or lesser degree in other Provinces.
Bengal,
692. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Bengal, reports on
the working of nineteen Veterinary Assistants employed in different parts of
the Province. Their working, as reported on by the various District Officers,
appears to have been very satisfactory.
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