SHIMLA, 12 February — The Himachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department on Thursday dismissed social media criticism regarding physical fitness tests for “Pashu Mitras,” characterizing the requirements as essential safety measures rather than an endurance competition for fitness test under Pashu Mitra Policy.
A department spokesperson stated that recent reports claiming the selection process was discriminatory or excessive were “misleading and beyond facts.” The recruitment is being conducted under the Pashu Mitra Policy, 2025, which was officially notified on August 14, 2025.
The selection involves a functional fitness check where candidates must demonstrate the ability to handle livestock and equipment. Specifically, the role requires lifting sick sheep or goats weighing approximately 25 kg and transporting cattle feed bags.
“The test is not intended to humiliate or discriminate against any candidate, including women,” the spokesperson said. “The nature of livestock-related work involves manual handling, and a minimum physical capability is therefore essential for the safety of both the worker and the animals.”
Under the state policy, Pashu Mitras serve in part-time, multi-tasking roles for four hours a day. They receive a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹5,000.
To ensure transparency amid the scrutiny, the department confirmed that all physical tests are videographed and supervised by a committee led by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil). Officials clarified that candidates are permitted to carry the required weight in any manner they find comfortable, and there is no mandatory requirement to carry loads on the head.
According to department data, 315 candidates have completed the physical test to date, with no injuries reported. The government urged the public to refer to the official 2025 policy rather than “selective portrayals” circulating online.
HP Pashu Mitra Recruitment 2026: Key Policy Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Role Type | Part-time Multi-Task Worker (4 hours/day) |
| Monthly Honorarium | ₹5,000 |
| Primary Tasks | Handling livestock, carrying feed, supporting veterinary staff |
| Physical Requirement | Lifting/carrying 25 kg for 100 meters within 1 minute |
| Selection Authority | Committee headed by local SDM (videographed) |
Why the Physical Test is Mandatory
The Animal Husbandry Department emphasizes that while the ₹5,000 pay reflects a part-time engagement, the “on-ground” reality of veterinary support is physically demanding. Carrying a 25 kg weight is a proxy for handling small ruminants or standard feed bags. The department maintains that skipping this screening could lead to workplace injuries or inability to assist in emergency animal care.
Note for Applicants: The department has clarified that there is no specific “style” required for the weight-carrying test. As long as the 25 kg is moved across the 100-meter mark within the time limit, the candidate qualifies for the merit list evaluation.
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