This practice is prevalent mostly in the department of Agriculture and Horticulture, a spokesperson of the state's Agriculture Department said here today.
Only a person holding a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree or a degree in medicine is authorised to use the word "Dr", he said.
The department has issued strict instructions to the Heads of the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture and Water and Soil Conservation to immediately stop the illegal practice, he said.
