Guwahati: A 14-year deputation at the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden is under intense scrutiny, with serious allegations of rule violations, questionable eligibility and administrative patronage keeping a Veterinary Pathologist in position far beyond the legally permitted tenure.
Panchami Sharma, an officer of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, has been serving at the state zoo in Guwahati as a Veterinary Pathologist on deputation since September 19, 2011. Her tenure has now crossed 14 years and five months — far exceeding the maximum deputation period prescribed under government norms.
The post of Veterinary Pathologist requires specialised expertise in wildlife disease diagnosis, post-mortem examination, laboratory sample processing and veterinary laboratory management.
Sources within the zoo allege that Sharma does not possess a postgraduate degree in Veterinary Science nor a specialisation in pathology, qualifications considered essential for the position. She is reportedly a graduate in veterinary science.
The controversy is not new. In a letter dated February 8, 2021, the then Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the zoo division, Tejas Mariswamy, wrote to the Commissioner of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department stressing the urgent need to renew and strengthen the post of Veterinary Pathologist.
The communication underlined that the zoo, as a wildlife institution requiring round-the-clock medical attention, needs a dedicated specialist capable of handling laboratory diagnostics, emergency response and scientific record management.
The letter pointed out that although veterinary officer Panchami Sharma had been deputed since September 2011, the post itself had not been formally renewed for over a decade.
It also noted that the zoo was yet to have a fully functional veterinary laboratory, leading to gaps in disease diagnosis and treatment protocols. The DFO recommended deputation of a veterinarian with specialisation in Veterinary Pathology or allied clinical disciplines to ensure proper wildlife healthcare.
Despite these concerns being flagged four years ago, the arrangement continues.
The matter gains added significance after the Assam Government issued a fresh Office Memorandum in January 2025 tightening deputation norms. The memorandum, signed by M.S. Manivannan, Commissioner and Secretary to the Assam government’s Personnel Department, limits deputation to an initial three-year term, extendable annually up to two more years with prior approval of the Chief Minister.
Any continuation beyond the sanctioned tenure without approval is to be treated as unauthorised absence, with no scope for post-facto regularisation. The responsibility for timely renewal has been placed squarely on the officer concerned.
Yet Sharma remains in the post.
Sources allege that her prolonged stay has been facilitated by backing within the zoo administration. There are also claims that the present Divisional Forest Officer 9DFO) is favouring her continuation.
Allegations of frequent misbehaviour with staff have further fuelled internal discontent, though these claims could not be independently verified.
Northeast Now sent an email to the Commissioner and Secretary of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department seeking clarification on the status of Sharma’s deputation and her eligibility for the post.
The email remained unanswered at the time of publication. A WhatsApp message was also sent to Panchami Sharma seeking her response; it has not elicited any reply so far.
This report will be updated as and when responses are received from the authorities concerned as well as from Sharma.