Making dedicated efforts for protection of cows: Khattar

[Photo : SNS]


Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday said that dedicated efforts are being made by the present state government for the protection of cows.
Addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony of the Haryana Livestock Exhibition-2023 held today at Charkhi Dadri, the CM said in state’s budget for 2023-24, Rs 400 Crore has been set aside for the Haryana Gau Seva Aayog, which oversees cow welfare in the state, marking a 10-fold increase from the allocation for 2022-23.
“In our culture cows hold religious significance. Cow has been given the status of the mother in religious texts, thus from increasing the budget of Haryana Gau Seva Aayog from Rs 40 Crore to Rs 400 Crore in 2023-24, dedicated efforts are being made by the present State Government for the protection of cattle,” said Khattar.
He said that six veterinary polyclinics would be set up in Haryana so that the cattle in the Gaushalas (cow shelters)  are cared for and protected. A polyclinic will also be set up at Charkhi Dadri.
The CM said strict laws have been enacted by the state government for the protection of cows. Under this, rigorous imprisonment of up to 10 years, and a heavy penalty will be imposed if anyone is found involved in a heinous crime like cow slaughtering.
He also called upon the Panchayats or other institutions to come forward in taking care of destitute cows by making cow shelters. If required they will also be given grants by the government, said Khattar.
Highlighting the benefits of drinking A2 Cow Milk, the CM said this milk is a rich source of minerals and is believed to prevent many chronic diseases.  He said that efforts should be made for increasing the production and consumption of this variety of milk.
“Along with traditional farming, livestock owners and farmers should also adopt other commercial activities like beekeeping, fisheries, floriculture, and setting up small-scale industries of food processing. Government is ready to extend all the required support to them,” he added.
The CM said a new project Sanjhi Dairy has been envisaged in the budget for the year 2023-24. Under this project, a shed will be built on the land of the Panchayat, in which cattle owners, who do not have enough space to keep their animals, can keep them in this common shed. This work will be done by the cooperative department. The scheme will be implemented from 1 April, 2023, he added.