Launched by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan in 2008, ‘1962 - Pashudhan Sanjeevani’, a veterinary care helpline was set-up as a joint initiative by the Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) of Madhya Pradesh and Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd (BFIL), a 100% subsidiary of IndusInd Bank.
The service has till date attended over 9 lakh calls from farmers and provided treatment to more than 5 lakh cows in the state, with an 85% satisfaction rate.
Cattle are especially critical to people in rural areas as they provide necessities such as farming, manure, food, transport, fuel and medicines. With a fee as low as Rs 100, farmers, cattle and other livestock in Madhya Pradesh have greatly benefitted from the service. Even during the Lockdown, 1962 - Pashudhan Sanjeevani helpline aided over 66000 farmers, treating 68,306 livestock, including red zones. This year however, in 2021, the fee charged will be raised to Rs 150, owing to higher vehicular expenses and governmental budget constraints.
While talking to The Pioneer on Tuesday, J.N. Kansotiya Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, Madhya Pradesh, said, Since its inception, 1962 - Pashudhan Sanjeevani has consistently served farmers with quality veterinary services, artificial insemination and vaccinations at their doorsteps. While the department of Animal Husbandry provides for doctors, AVFOs and medicinal supplies, BFIL supports the initiatives communication requirements by funding a 50-seater call-centre & technology in Bhopal, essentially making sure every farmer is catered to.
Already being a leader in the livestock treatment landscape in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the Animal Husbandry Department will now integrate its schemes with 1962 - Pashudhan Sanjeevani. Provision has also been made for additional Gau-sevaks/AI workers involved in the project to deliver services in the field. The state govt is driving the project through all its machinery and has charted district level plans.
The success of the initiative was followed by BFIL helping develop a Mobile App and other IT implementation tools to further aid farmers and livestock. Being a non-profit initiative, it is noteworthy that any proceeds received from services rendered go directly to Pashu Kalyan Samiti that works toward the welfare of animals.
