The first batch of students of Hassan and Shimoga veterinary colleges, who hoped that the government would come to their rescue at the right time are a disappointed lot as they are ineligible to apply for government jobs.
Now, the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) has directed the colleges not to invite applications for the next academic year, causing anxiety among students.
The State Government established one veterinary college each in Shimoga and Hassan at an estimated cost of Rs 80 crore. As there was no building here, the college was functioning from buildings belonging to various departments.
As preliminary works like identifying land for the new building, construction and others were taken up initially, the VCI recognised the college even though it did not have building and lacked basic amenities. The problems started arising with the change in government.
The VCI recently directed the college not to invite applications for admissions for next academic year and has cancelled recognition for failing to meet the required standards.
Already, two batches of students from Shimoga college (49 students) and 23 from Hassan college have passed out. As these colleges lack recognition, they have not been provided registration number from the VCI, without which they cannot practise and thus are not eligible to apply for government jobs.
Dr M S Vasanth, principal of Hassan Veterinary College, said that the construction of the college building was nearing completion and will be ready by the month of June. “We have explained the status to VCI representatives, who visited the college recently. But, they said that recognition would be renewed after the college was shifted to the new building. The students, who have passed out of the college, complained that the government had assured to provide them job opportunities, but has now deceived them.
The state government invited applications for 391 posts of veterinary doctors on December 5, 2012. The students met the Chief Secretary, who assured to solve the problems after discussing with the Karnataka Veterinary Council. But, even he expressed helplessness recently. The students are facing a bleak future with no job opportunities in the government. They cannot practise privately also, without VCI registration number.
