Minister of State for HRD Shashi Tharoor has written to Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad requesting him that dissection of animals in teaching of medical sciences be avoided and appropriate directions be given to bodies like the Medical Council of India for it.
In his letter, he said that UGC has already taken up the issue of avoiding animal dissection with universities teaching life sciences and the same should be followed by medical sciences, where it still persists.
"Accordingly, you are requested to direct the Medical Council of India, Dental Council of India and Veterinary Council of India to transition to the humane, non-animal based training methods," Tharoor says in his letter.
A copy of the letter, dated May 27, 2013 is with PTI.
Sources said Azad's office has conveyed that the matter is being looked into.
Tharoor stated that he is writing after going through a representation by Chaitanya Koduri, science policy advisor of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who discussed the issue of animal dissections in educational institutions.
There are guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and UGC, in keeping with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to avoid use of animals in teaching wherever possible.
"Today, with the presence of humane and cost-effective alternatives, the continuing use of animal dissection in teaching at the undergraduate and post-graduate level is entirely avoidable- and hence out to be," Tharoor said.
