Bhubaneswar, Feb. 23: Veterinary graduates of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology who could not land a job have threatened to launch an indefinite strike from the first week of April.

About 300 vet graduates today alleged that they were forced to sit unemployed as the state government, despite having several central schemes in place, had not done anything to engage them.

They alleged that the farmers were being forced to commit suicide because of the death of livestock as there were not enough posts of veterinary doctors in villages.

The state has about 3,040 livestock aid centres compared to only 540 veterinary dispensaries, which is too insufficient to deal with the number of animal-related cases reaching these centres.

"Though the fisheries and animal resources development department has planned to establish 2,945 new livestock aid centres, the state government has not taken any step for creation of new posts for the vet doctors," said Abhishek Hota, a veterinary science graduate.

"Despite having received a professional training, many students are being forced to join jobs, such as selling insurance policies and working as a marketing person. The overall veterinary science employment scenario is very frustrating," said Saroj Sahoo, another student.

In the absence of adequate livestock aid centres, the existing veterinary doctors are being overburdened with work. "Apart from providing health services to the animals, the doctors are being asked to take care of various administrative tasks," said Sahoo.

A survey conducted by the National Commission on Agriculture in 2013-14 mention that in Odisha, one veterinary doctor is responsible for the treatment of livestock in 95 villages, which is much higher than what their colleagues do in other parts of the country.

Citing the recent livestock census, the students said that the livestock population of the state has decreased from 2,42,67,200 in 2000 to 2,07,22,110 by 2012.

The commission, which has been established by the central government, recommends appointment of at least one veterinary doctor for every 5,000 livestock unit.

"It is very frustrating that despite having both the requirement and the provisions, the state government is sitting on the issue instead of recruiting the OUAT graduates," said Amit Mishra, another student.

The students had organised a huge rally in March last year to protest against their joblessness. Their protest was called off only after the state government promised creation of 1,000 veterinary posts.

"It has almost been a year since then. But the government has not taken any step. Our repeated reminders fell on deaf ears. But this time, we are going to launch a massive protest. It is not just the question of our employment but also the livestock health of the state at large," said another student.