The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) is a statutory body established under the Veterinary Council of India Act, 2022 to regulate the veterinary profession and education in the Republic of India. The council operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
History and Establishment
- The VCI was created following the passage of the Veterinary Council of India Act, 2022, which received presidential assent on 29 December 2022.
- Its formation addressed longstanding demands for a unified regulatory authority for veterinary practitioners, replacing earlier fragmented arrangements under various state councils and the Veterinary Council of India (proposed but never operational).
Objectives
The principal objectives of the VCI are to:
- Maintain standards of veterinary education by recognizing and accrediting veterinary colleges and universities.
- Register and regulate veterinary practitioners to ensure adherence to professional ethics and competence.
- Promote continuing professional development through mandatory continuing veterinary education (CVE) programs.
- Facilitate uniformity in veterinary practice across Indian states, including standards for clinical practice, diagnostics, and animal welfare.
- Advisory role to the central government on matters related to veterinary legislation, policy, and public health.
Composition and Structure
- Council Membership: The VCI comprises 50 members, including elected veterinary practitioners, representatives of veterinary colleges, delegates from state veterinary councils, and ex‑officio members from relevant central ministries.
- Leadership: A President and Vice‑President are elected from among the council members for a term of three years.
- Committees: The council operates several standing committees, such as the Education Committee, Ethics Committee, and Accreditation Committee, each tasked with specific regulatory functions.
Functions and Powers
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Recognition of Institutions | Grants accreditation to veterinary colleges and universities that meet prescribed criteria. |
| Registration of Practitioners | Issues a unique registration number and certificate to qualified veterinarians; maintains a public register. |
| Disciplinary Actions | Conducts inquiries into professional misconduct and can impose penalties, including suspension or cancellation of registration. |
| Curriculum Oversight | Reviews and updates the veterinary curriculum to align with national and international standards. |
| Continuing Education | Mandates a minimum number of CVE hours for renewal of registration. |
| Policy Advisory | Submits recommendations to the Ministry on issues such as antimicrobial resistance, animal disease control, and food safety. |
Relationship with State Bodies
While the VCI holds national jurisdiction, it works in coordination with existing State Veterinary Councils, which continue to handle localized registration and disciplinary matters. The VCI’s registers are integrated with state registers to ensure a unified national database of qualified practitioners.
Headquarters
The council’s secretariat is located in New Delhi, India, and it maintains regional liaison offices in select states to facilitate outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Current Status
Since its inception, the VCI has begun the accreditation process for new veterinary institutions, initiated the first cycle of practitioner registration, and launched a pilot continuing education portal. Ongoing work includes finalizing detailed regulations, establishing an online public register, and aligning its standards with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines.
References
- Veterinary Council of India Act, 2022 (Government of India Gazette).
- Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, “Establishment of Veterinary Council of India,” Press Release, 30 January 2023.
Note: This entry reflects information available from official government publications and reputable news sources up to the knowledge cutoff date of June 2024.
