Develop self-sustaining model for Gaushalas: CM Yogi

Lucknow, Jan 4: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday stressed the need for developing a self-sustainable model for running a Gaushala and said that the gaushalas should be constructed on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. While reviewing a presentation regarding the large cow shelters, the CM said that these cow shelters should be linked to natural farming, cow dung paint, CNG and CBG. “This will make the gaushalas financially strong and they will be able to bear the expenses for the maintenance and rearing of the cows themselves,” he said.
He said that for the operation of gaushala, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) must be signed with the interested Non Government Organisations (NGOs) while making the necessary arrangements. Along with the Animal Husbandry Minister, officials from the departments of Finance, Energy, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development were present during the meeting. A presentation was made about the construction of shelters in UP that could 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. It should be paid to the farmers after land verification,” he said. After seeing the presentation, the CM said that the state government is 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 its benefits,” he directed.
He said that the Animal Husbandry department should plan practically whereas the departmental officers should avoid the situation of 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. “Green fodder, straw and bran should be arranged for the whole year in April-May itself,” he said.
He also directed the authorities concerned to release funds to cow shelters wherever they are operating. “Release the cattle herders’ funds as well who rear destitute cattle”, he said. The CM said that the cows of the Indian breed need cleanliness and a space to pasture and if they do not receive these things they become unwell. “Cowsheds should be constructed with this in mind,” he said.
He said that the destitute cow shelter, Sahbhagita Yojana and scheme of providing one cow each for malnourished families run by the state government are very effective in cow protection. “Take these three schemes forward by campaigning in the entire state,” he said. Yogi said, “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 getting artificial insemination done in government veterinary hospitals. With this, the production of milk will increase, as well as a new breed of cattle will also be developed.”