Mumbai: The Animal Husbandry Department has asked the Law and Judiciary Department to ascertain if there were any irregularities in the tendering process for procurement of vaccines meant for bovines affected by foot and mouth disease (FMD).
Animal Husbandry Minister Mahadev Jankar said the government decided to get the process scrutinised before any action could be initiated. “We are aware about the allegations made against the process. This is a fight between two companies interested in supplying the vaccine. Our only concern is to ensure the process goes ahead without wrongly benefiting anyone. Once we get the remarks from the Law and Justice Department, further action will be taken,” Mr. Jankar said.
The Hindu, had earlier reported how alleged irregularities in the tender process had left over two crore milch animals in the State without vaccination. FMD is known to affect milk production, and if the vaccine is not administered in time, the disease can be fatal for the animal. The vaccine is to be given twice a year; the first round of doses in January-February and the second in August-September.
Mr. Jankar said only three companies in the country provide the said vaccine. “We are also gathering information whether any other State produces this vaccine. If so, we can directly purchase from that State instead of depending on private companies. We have already missed one dose and to ensure animals don’t miss the next one, we are seeking help from the Centre as well,” he said.
The minister said the government also plans to set up its own plant to produce the vaccine. “It would cost around ₹100 crore, but we will set it up by next year for sure,” he said.
