T’puram: The state human rights commission (SHRC) has directed the principal of the govt ayurveda college to appoint personnel on a daily-wage or contract basis to care for snakes at the institution’s snake park and animal house until permanent appointments are made through PSC.Commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas said temporary appointments should be made to the posts of herpetologist and technical assistant, which are essential for the functioning of Agada Tantra department’s snake park and animal house.According to a report submitted by the principal, the vacancy for the post of herpetologist was reported to the PSC in 2009. However, as no qualified candidates were available, the PSC recommended amending the prescribed qualifications under the Special Rules. The proposal is currently under the govt’s consideration, the report said.The principal also informed the commission that the number of snakes housed at the college has not increased and that adequate space is available for their upkeep. All snake enclosures are fitted with lockable cages to ensure safety.Justice Thomas further directed the principal and the district manager of Clean Kerala Company to immediately remove unused machinery lying in the college pharmacy premises.SHRC issued the directions while considering a complaint filed by Dr Shajahan, who alleged that waste management practices at the college and the methods adopted for housing venomous snakes were unscientific.
