Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday stressed the need for developing a self-sustainable model for running ‘gaushala’ and said that gaushalas should be constructed in public-private participation (PPP) mode.
While reviewing a presentation regarding large cow shelters (vrihad gaushala), the chief minister said that these cow shelters should be linked to natural farming, cow dung paint, CNG and CBG (compressed biogas). “This will make the gaushalas financially strong and they will be able to bear the expenses for the maintenance and rearing of the cows,” he remarked.
Yogi said that for the operation of ‘gaushala’, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) must be signed with the interested non-governmental organisations (NGOs) while making the necessary arrangements.
Along with the minister for livestock, officials from the departments of Finance, Energy, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development were present. A presentation was made on the construction of animal shelters in Uttar Pradesh that can accommodate 2,000–3,000 animals.
Yogi said that the Sahbhagita Yojana launched by the state government should be taken forward rapidly in the entire state. Under this scheme, farmers rearing destitute cattle are being given Rs 900 per cow per month. He said the amount should be paid to the farmers after land verification.
After seeing the presentation, the chief minister said that the state government was making continuous efforts for animal promotion and protection with a sense of service. “Many schemes are being run by the government for the encouragement of cattle rearers. Ensure that the eligible people get their benefits,” he said.
The chief minister said that the Livestock department should plan practically whereas the departmental officers should avoid indecision and prepare an action plan for cow service on the basis of interest and priority. “Accountability should be fixed at every level,” he said.
Giving directions to the officers, Yogi said that an action plan should be prepared, keeping in mind the management of gaushala for the entire year. He said green fodder, straw and bran should be arranged for the whole year in April-May itself.
Yogi also directed the authorities concerned to release funds to cow shelters wherever they were operating. "Release the cattle herders' funds as well to those who rear destitute cattle,” he said.
According to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, cows of the Indian breed need cleanliness and a space to pasture; if they do not receive these things, they would become unwell. Cowsheds should be constructed with this in mind.
The chief minister further said that the destitute cow shelter, Sahbhagita Yojana, and scheme run by the state government for providing one cow each for malnourished families were very effective in cow protection. “Take these three schemes forward by campaigning in the entire state,” he remarked.
“Special care should be taken so that no cow dies due to cold and hunger in the state. To increase milk production and to control destitute cattle, speed up the breed improvement scheme. Under this scheme, cattle rearers can improve the breed of cattle by artificial insemination in government veterinary hospitals. With this, the production of milk will increase, as well as a new breed of cattle will also be developed,” he said.