A Call for ‘Reform’ in Veterinary Regulation: From VCI to a National Veterinary Commission
Introduction: Veterinary Sector at a Turning Point
India’s veterinary sector, which underpins rural livelihoods, food security and the One Health framework, is today standing at a critical juncture. The role of veterinary professionals in preventing zoonotic diseases, driving livestock development and ensuring a safe food chain is increasing rapidly, yet there is a widely felt need to make the current regulatory framework more effective, transparent and responsive to contemporary challenges.
The Need of the Hour: Structural Reform
Just as the medical sector underwent a major restructuring with the replacement of the Medical Council of India (MCI) by the National Medical Commission (NMC), the veterinary profession too requires a modern, forward-looking and accountable regulatory architecture. This is no longer a time to remain confined only to “regulation”; it is a time to move towards leadership, innovation and quality improvement.
In this context, many experts and practitioners believe that there is a need to critically review the existing role of the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) and explore whether it should be further strengthened, restructured or transformed into a more comprehensive framework such as a National Veterinary Commission (NVC). Such a review should be evidence-based, consultative and firmly anchored in public and professional interest.
Concerns Emerging Around the Present Framework
Different sections of the veterinary community have, from time to time, expressed certain concerns and expectations regarding the functioning of the current regulatory system. These should be viewed not as accusations, but as policy-related concerns aimed at constructive reform and institutional strengthening:
- Desire for greater transparency in decision-making:
Many veterinary professionals feel that key policy and administrative decisions would inspire greater confidence if accompanied by more openness, wider communication and accessible information, thereby deepening institutional trust. - Strengthening democratic values and processes:
With respect to electoral and representational mechanisms, some members have emphasized the need for robust technical systems, independent audits and clear guidelines so that all stakeholders can have full confidence in the fairness and credibility of the processes. - Ensuring broad-based participation in decisions:
There is a view that decision-making should reflect balanced representation from different states, institutions and areas of practice, so that the perception of “limited-group decision-making” is replaced by a strong sense of collective ownership. - Consolidating academic autonomy and quality:
In the context of veterinary universities and teaching institutions, there is a widely shared expectation that the selection of vice-chancellors and other top academic leaders should follow transparent, merit-based and independent processes, thereby safeguarding academic excellence and autonomy.
These points must be understood as part of a professional dialogue on reform—aimed at improving systems, not at targeting any individual or body.
National Veterinary Commission (NVC): A Vision for Modern Regulation
Keeping these challenges and aspirations in mind, several professionals have articulated a vision for a National Veterinary Commission (NVC) as a modern regulatory framework. Some of the key pillars of such a commission could include:
| Pillar | Key Feature | Expected Benefit |
| Digital governance | Fully online, trackable and auditable processes | Transparent, efficient and user-friendly administration |
| Decentralised structure | Representative and multi-stakeholder institutional design | Balanced, participatory and inclusive decision-making |
| Independent electoral system | Secure, technologically robust and third‑party-audited voting | Greater democratic legitimacy and trust |
| Merit-based appointments | Selection of vice-chancellors and senior academic leaders on clear, merit-based criteria | Promotion of academic excellence, innovation and autonomy |
| Accountability mechanisms | Strong grievance redressal and feedback systems | Better protection of professional rights and institutional accountability |
Any such framework can succeed only if it is developed through broad-based consultation, robust legal processes, expert inputs and active participation of all stakeholders—veterinarians, academic institutions, government, and professional associations.
Conclusion: Reform as a Pathway to One Health Goals
Veterinary services are not limited to animal treatment; they are intrinsically linked with human health, environmental safety, food security and the national economy. If India aspires to play a leading global role, its regulatory systems must become time-appropriate, transparent, science-informed and participatory.
Whether through a strengthened VCI or through a transformed National Veterinary Commission, this discussion is not merely about changing a name. It is about reaffirming our collective commitment to the dignity, quality, credibility and future of the veterinary profession. The time has come to:
- Listen carefully to the constructive, policy-level voice of the veterinary community.
- Treat reform not as confrontation, but as a process of partnership and dialogue.
- Build a regulatory framework that is strong, capable and visionary, aligned with the principles of One Health.
“A strong, transparent and accountable regulatory framework is the foundation of a strong veterinary profession.”
Disclaimer:
This article is intended purely as a contribution to policy dialogue and professional reform. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) in their personal capacity and are not intended to be read as direct or indirect allegations against any specific council, institution or individual. All references to institutions, processes or systems are based on professional experience, publicly available discourse and a concern for the broader public and veterinary interest. Readers are encouraged to consider these views as a basis for independent analysis, constructive debate and reform-oriented discussion, and not as final factual findings or legal assertions of any kind.
