K'taka planning insurance cover for shepherds

Gulbarga, June 30 (UNI) The Karnataka Government is taking steps to provide insurance cover to shepherds as well as sheep, Animal Husbandry Minister Revu Naik Belamgi informed today.

Addressing a press conference in Kamalapur, about 40 km from here, he said under the scheme, the families of shepherds who die under unnatural circumstances would get Rs 20,000. Besides compensation would also be provided for death of sheep.

The Minister said steps would be taken to fill the 350 posts of doctors, lying vacant in veterinary hospitals due to legal disputes, in a phased manner.

Admitting that sub-standard and poor quality of milk was being being brought from neighbouring Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, he warned that stern action would be taken against officials concerned.

Special inspection squads would be formed to check the milk units, he added.

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