Kargil: Director, Sheep Husbandry Department UT Ladakh, Dr Iftikhar Hussain paid an official visit to the Stock Assistant Training Institute (SATI) Camp, Kargil Thursday.
He was accompanied by the Incharge District Sheep Husbandry Officer (DSHO), Kargil.
The visiting dignitaries were warmly welcomed in a traditional manner by Dr. Gulzar Hussain, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer (CAHO) Kargil, Dr. Ghulam Mohammad, Principal SATI Camp Kargil, and other officials of the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department.
During his visit, the Director interacted extensively with the trainees of the institute, reviewed the overall functioning of the training centre, and assessed the ongoing activities.
A detailed meeting was subsequently held with the doctors and staff members, wherein several key issues were discussed.
One of the major points raised was regarding the undertaking to be taken from newly recruited trainees, committing them to serve the department for a minimum of three years. It was noted that if any trainee gets selected elsewhere during this period, they should not leave the department.
Dr. Iftikhar Hussain assured that this matter would be jointly discussed with the Director of Animal Husbandry Department and forwarded to the Secretary for appropriate policy direction.
Meanwhile, he advised the officials to obtain the undertakings from trainees as an interim measure.
Another important issue raised by the CAHO Kargil was the shortage of essential medicines for small animal treatment being conducted through Livestock Development Centres (LDCs) and Mobile Veterinary Vans (1962).
In response, the Director instructed the DSHO to ensure timely issuance of medicines wherever required and assured full support from the Sheep Husbandry Department.
Dr. Iftikhar Hussain further emphasized that joint field visits by CAHO and DSHO would lead to better resolution of field-level issues and enhance departmental outreach.
He also informed that since the SATI Camp in Kargil functions under the administrative umbrella of SATI Leh, efforts would be made to allocate technical funds from SATI Leh to support and strengthen the Kargil camp, subject to necessary formalities.
Additionally, he stated that both Directors (AHD & SHD) would jointly take up the matter of recognition of the SATI Camp Kargil, and ensure that the process is expedited.
In view of practical training requirements, the Director directed the DSHO to ensure scheduled visits of trainees to all Sheep Husbandry farms and, if necessary, to facilitate animal sacrifice for practical learning.
He also expressed the intention of all trainees to visit Leh SATI and interact with the trainees there, reiterating that all possible support will be extended for the improvement of the training institute in Kargil.
Regarding the matter of honorarium for instructors, he assured that the issue would be taken up with the Director AHD and explored for early resolution.
At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. Gulzar Hussain, CAHO Kargil, extended heartfelt gratitude to the Director for taking out time from his busy schedule to encourage the staff and trainees, and for the constructive deliberations held during the visit.
