Raja Syed Rather
The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have witnessed a modest expansion of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) under the Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD-MVU) scheme, the data presented in the Lok Sabha reveals.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Jammu & Kashmir was sanctioned 6 MVUs, but the government has operationalized 50 units, indicating an increased effort beyond the initial allocation. However, in Ladakh, only 9 MVUs were sanctioned and made operational, reflecting a slower pace of veterinary infrastructure development in the cold desert region.
The central government has sanctioned Rs 13.33 crore for Jammu & Kashmir under the scheme, with the Union Territory administration bearing the recurring expenditure for 44 additional MVUs, reads the data.
In contrast, Ladakh received Rs 2.01 crore, a significantly lower allocation, given its smaller livestock population and dispersed settlements.
Despite these efforts, the reach of veterinary services remains a concern. Jammu & Kashmir recorded only 7,148 farmers benefiting from MVU services, while Ladakh had an even lower count of 448 beneficiaries. In comparison, states like Uttar Pradesh (2.19 crore beneficiaries) and Rajasthan (7.47 lakh beneficiaries) have far greater reach under the scheme, raising questions about the effectiveness and accessibility of MVUs in J&K and Ladakh.
Each Union Territory including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been provided with a centralized call center (Helpline No. 1962) to facilitate MVU operations under the Livestock Health Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
The central government funds 100% of the non-recurring expenditure and provides recurring expenditure support in a 60:40, 90:10, or 100:0 ratio, depending on the region.
