The core demand driving the four-year-long fight is the reinstatement of pay parity with medical doctors, a compensation structure that had been in place since 1977 before being dissolved by the previous Congress administration. The JAC is also demanding the reintroduction of the 4-9-14 Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme and the provision of House Rent Allowance (HRA) on Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA). According to Dr. Gurcharan Singh, convener of the JAC, the current Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has failed to rectify this “injustice,” despite receiving explicit court orders to do so.

The timing of the strike—targeting key agribusiness events like the milk-yield competitions—is a calculated move to pressure the government. These competitions are crucial for promoting high-yield dairy economics and genetic upgradation in the state. By boycotting them, veterinarians, who are essential to measuring and verifying the performance of the competing livestock, are directly disrupting a central mechanism for encouraging quality milk production among Punjab’s farmers.

The JAC stressed the immense contributions of veterinary doctors, particularly their selfless service during recent crises. The convener recalled that the committee had previously suspended protests multiple times in good faith, including during the devastating floods earlier this year. During those disasters, these professionals worked tirelessly on the front lines to save livestock and prevent widespread disease outbreaks. Despite this dedication to public and animal health, the government failed to use the moment to address the doctors’ legitimate demands.