Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, on Saturday launched the state government’s ambitious Gaudham Yojana at a programme held at Guru Ghasidas Central University in Bilaspur. In the first phase of the scheme, operations have begun at 29 Gaudhams across 11 districts of the state.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the state’s first cow sanctuary at Jogipur village in Kota development block of Bilaspur district.
The sanctuary will be developed over nearly 184 acres, with the state government approving Rs 1.32 crore for the first phase of its development. Once completed, it will have the capacity to shelter and care for around 2,500 cattle at a time.
Addressing the gathering, Sai said cows hold an important place in Indian culture, faith and the rural economy.
“Through the Gaudham Yojana, safe shelter will be provided to stray and abandoned cattle while strengthening livestock protection. The state government is fully committed to promoting cattle protection and cow service,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced that the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to promote animal husbandry and milk production in the state.
Under this initiative, cows are being distributed in several districts, yielding encouraging results in boosting milk production.
Sai said the Gaudhams will ensure proper arrangements for fodder, water and care of cattle while also creating employment opportunities at the local level. All Gaudhams established on government land in the state will now be known as “Surabhi Gaudham.”
Training programmes related to animal husbandry, green fodder cultivation and the preparation of useful products from cow dung will also be conducted at these centres.
The initiative is expected to create self-employment opportunities for local residents and strengthen the rural economy. It will also help reduce road accidents by providing safe shelter for stray cattle.
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu said the launch of the Gaudham Yojana is a significant and auspicious step, noting that ensuring cow protection and service has long been an integral part of Indian culture and tradition while also contributing to the strengthening of the rural economy.
State Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Ramvichar Netam described the launch as a historic day for Chhattisgarh, as the Gaudham Yojana is being implemented simultaneously across the state.
He added that, in a phased manner, 10 Gaudhams will be established in every development block, ensuring cattle protection while creating opportunities for self-employment.
MLAs Amar Agrawal, Dharamlal Kaushik, Dharamjeet Singh and Sushant Shukla, along with Bilaspur Mayor Pooja Vidhani, Bilaspur Commissioner Sunil Jain, IG Ramgopal Garg, Collector Sanjay Agrawal, SSP Rajnesh Singh, Director Veterinary Chandrakant Verma and a large number of livestock owners and citizens were present at the programme.