- 1460 cow shelters will be established in the state.
The Chhattisgarh government is implementing the “Gaudham Yojana” in a phased manner to provide safe shelter to stray and stray animals in the state, promote cow protection, and strengthen the rural economy. The plan aims to establish a total of 1,460 cow shelters across the state.
- 1460 cow shelters will be established in the state.
For the management of nomadic and destitute livestock, the Chhattisgarh State Gau Seva Aayog, Raipur has been given approval by the government to establish 1460 Gaushalas under the Gaushala Yojana. Gaushalas will be developed by selecting the best 10 Gaushalas in each development block. Administrative approval has been given to 151 out of 408 applications. Registration of 88 Gaushalas has been completed so far. Currently, about 5 thousand 109 destitute animals are being given protection in the 42 Gaushalas that are operational.
- Priority will be given to cow shelters near national highways.
According to information received from the Joint Director (Veterinary Services), in the first phase, cow shelters have been selected that are located near national highways and have all the necessary infrastructure. Cow shelters will be operated through voluntary organizations, registered cow shelters, NGOs, FPOs, and trusts. Recently, the Animal Husbandry Department amended the rules, giving gram panchayats priority in cow shelter operation. Furthermore, urban cow shelters have also been included in this scheme.
- Transparent process of selection and acceptance
The process for establishing a cowshed has been made very strict and transparent. Following the recommendation of the district-level committee and the collector, a no-objection certificate is obtained from the Panchayat. After physical verification, applications are sent to the Chhattisgarh State Cow Service Commission. The Commission’s Implementation Committee reviews these applications in detail in its three-monthly meeting. Following the review, the applications are sent to the government for final administrative approval, after which the contract and registration processes are completed.
- Rural and agricultural economy will get a boost
The government believes that cattle are a key pillar of our rural culture and agricultural system. Granting operational authority to gram panchayats and including urban cow shelters in the scheme will further increase the number of cow shelters in the future. Currently, applications are continuously being received from various districts for the establishment of new cow shelters, and prompt action is underway on these.
