Modernising Veterinary Regulation in India: A Framework for Establishing a National Veterinary Commission

Veterinary education and professional regulation in India are currently governed by the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984, enacted under Article 252(1) of the Constitution. While the framework administered by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) has historically ensured baseline uniformity in undergraduate veterinary education and professional registration, its inspection-centric, input-based, and structurally centralised model has become increasingly misaligned with contemporary national and global requirements. These include outcome-based competency assurance, One Health integration, zoonotic disease preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, global professional mobility, and cooperative federalism. This policy paper proposes a comprehensive restructuring of veterinary regulation through the establishment of a National Veterinary Commission (NVC). Drawing upon international best practices and reforms in professional regulation, the proposed framework introduces functional separation of regulatory roles through autonomous Boards for educational standards, accreditation, licensing and registration, and ethics and professional discipline. The model aligns veterinary education with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Day-1 competencies, establishes transparent pathways for recognition of foreign veterinary qualifications, and strengthens continuing professional development and licensing oversight. Recognising the unique constitutional basis of veterinary regulation in India, the paper emphasises reaffirmed State consent, phased transition, and a two-tier federal representation architecture to ensure inclusivity without compromising efficiency. The proposed NVC is positioned as a future-ready Professional Standards-Setting Body capable of enhancing regulatory credibility, safeguarding public health, and strengthening India?s global standing in animal health.