Monthly incentive for cattle in gau sadans hiked to Rs 1,200

Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar today said that the state government had decided to increase the monthly incentive under the Gaupal Yojana, implemented through the Gau Sewa Aayog, from Rs 700 to Rs 1,200 per cattle. The enhanced amount would be provided to registered gau sadans (cow shelters) from August, he added.

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The minister chaired the sixth meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Gau Sadan Aayog here. A detailed discussion on the establishment, functioning of cow shelters and rehabilitation of abandoned cattle was held at the meeting. There are 276 gau sadans and gau abhyaranyas (cow sanctuaries) in the state that are sheltering 21,306 abandoned cattle. The process to set up new gau sadans and gau abhayaranyas is underway in Kangra, Hamirpur and Una.

The minister directed the Animal Husbandry Department to ensure regular veterinary care and proper record-keeping in all gau sadans and gau abhayaranyas. He also instructed the police to take necessary action in the cases of cattle smuggling and illegally abandoned animals from neighbouring states.

It was decided at the meeting that the Gau Sewa Aayog along with the Language and Culture Department would draft a policy for the construction and operation of cow shelters and sanctuaries, with focus on encouraging community participation. It was also decided to set up biogas plants in cow shelters and sanctuaries.