The Tamil Nadu Veterinary Assistant Surgeons Association v. The Union of India

Order This writ petition is filed for the following relief: "To direct respondents 2 and 3 to implement the request made by the petitioner association in its representations dated

26.5.2026 and 21.7.2026 by sanctioning and appointing adequate additional staff, including Data Entry Operators, at Village Panchayat / Cluster / Block level, in terms of the Nodal Officer Scheme framed under G.O.(Ms)No.39,dated 20.2.2026 and G.O.(Ms)No.45 dated 26.2.2026 for carrying out National Digital Livestock mission (NDLM)/Bharat Pashudhan data entry and related field verification work."

¶2The petitioner is the Tamil Nadu Veterinary Assistant Surgeons' Association, representing Veterinary Assistant Surgeons working under the Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department. The Government of India introduced the National Digital Livestock Mission

(NDLM) / Bharat Pashudhan Portal, pursuant to which the Government of Tamil Nadu issued G.O.(Ms).No.39 dated 20.02.2026 and G.O.(Ms).No.45 dated 26.02.2026 constituting implementation committees and assigning field-level responsibilities. Page4 of 7

¶3Though the Government Orders contemplate that village level NDLM data-entry work shall be carried out by designated field staff, the respondents are compelling Veterinary Assistant Surgeons to personally undertake door-to-door NDLM data entry in addition to their regular clinical, surgical, vaccination and emergency duties, without providing adequate supporting staffs or Data Entry Operators.

¶4The petitioner would submit that despite repeated representations seeking appointment of additional staffs including Data Entry Operators, no action has been taken. Therefore, the petitioner association is before this Court.

5.The learned Additional Advocate General on instructions would submit that the Doctors / Veterinary Assistant Surgeons are no longer entrusted with the field work which has now been entrusted to Livestock Inspector, Artificial Insemination worker and Panchayat Nodal Officer. The data is being fed by Data Entry Operators, who have also been appointed. The doctors are only required only to supervise these workers and would suffice if the doctors do the following:

(i)Monitoring the implementation of the National Digital Livestock Mission Scheme in all the Village Panchayat and Urban Areas of the Blocks. Page5 of 7

(ii)Monitor the implementation and outcomes of the programme in the District.

(iii)Recommend corrective measures for effective implementation. The Committee will hold its meeting at least once in a month.

¶6Recording the above, this writ petition is disposed of. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed. No costs. 06-08-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order KAN Page6 of 7 To

¶1The Union of India Rep by its secretary Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (AHS AND NDLM Division) Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001

¶2The Secretary to government Animal Husbandry, Dairying Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department Fort St.George, Secretariat Chennai-600 009

¶3The Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services O/o. Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Integrated Office Complex for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department No.571, Anna salai Nandanam Chennai-600 035 Page7 of 7 P.T.ASHA J. KAN 06-08-2026

Page1 of 7 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 06-08-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA and WMP No. 34264 of 2026 The Tamil Nadu Veterinary Assistant Surgeons Association Rep by its General Secretary Dr.S.Meenakashi Sundaram VASA Tower, No.47/21,Astabhujam Road Choolai chennai-600 112 ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Union of India Rep by its secretary Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (AHS AND NDLM Division) Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001 2. The Secretary to government Animal Husbandry, Dairying Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department Fort St.George, Secretariat Chennai-600 009 3. The Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services O/o. Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Integrated Office Complex for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department No.571, Anna salai Page2 of 7 Nandanam Chennai-600 035 ..Respondent(s) Prayer: This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking writ of mandamus directing the respondents 2 and 3 to implement the request made by the petitioner association in its representations dated 26.5.2026 and 21.7.2026 by sanctioning and appointing adequate additional staff, including Data Entry Operators, at Village Panchayat/Cluster /Block level, in terms of the Nodal Officer Scheme framed under G.O.(Ms)No.39,dated 20.2.2026 and G.O.(Ms)No.45 dated 26.2.2026 for carrying out National Digital Livestock mission (NDLM)/Bharat Pashudhan data entry and related field verification work. For Petitioner(s): Mr. M.Santhanaraman For Respondent(s): Mr. K.K.Muralidharan Central Government Standing Counsel R1 Mr. T.Gowthaman Additional Advocate General Assisted by Mr. V.Sivalingam Government Advocate R2 & R3 Page3 of 7