Bangalore  : The Karnataka government has distanced itself with the proposed hike in milk price.

Animal Husbandry Minister T B Jayachandra on Wednesday said the decision to hike milk prices is left to the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) and the government will not interfere in this regard. He told mediapersons that the government had only informed the KMF that it can hike the prices if it wants to mobilise resources to upgrade the infrastructure.

The KMF board recently decided to hike Nandini milk prices by Rs three per litre. The Federation had sought the government’s permission to give effect to the hike from August 8. Normally, the KMF hikes the prices only after obtaining nod from the government. But, no decision was taken in view of the of model code of conduct for the byelections to two parliamentary seats.

When contacted, KMF Managing Director Premnath refused to comment.

Dept revamped : Jayachandra said the government has issued an order revamping the Animal Husbandry department to make it more efficient.

Accordingly, veterinary doctors have been divided into three categories: veterinary doctors, senior veterinary doctors and chief veterinary doctors. About 914 doctors’ posts are vacant in the department and several veterinary hospitals are not functioning due to lack of doctors. Re-organisation will help address this problem, he said.

The posts of officials have been reorganised based on the animal population. Senior officers will be made in-charge of maintenance and protection of Amrit Mahal Kaval. Of the total 40,000 acres, about 17,000 acres have been encroached upon. The officials will be held responsible for the encroachments, he added.

He said the government is taking all steps to secure recognition for Bidar, Hassan and Shimoga veterinary colleges from the Veterinary Council of India. The issue will be resolved in a week, he added.