Maharashtra declares indigenous cow ‘Rajya Mata’

The Maharashtra Government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday conferred the title of ‘Rajya Mata’ to indigenous cows to promote their welfare, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

In a cabinet meeting, the Maharashtra CM also decided to implement a subsidy scheme offering Rs 50 per day for the rearing of these cows in ‘goshalas’.

“A decision was taken in the Maharashtra cabinet meeting today to implement a subsidy scheme of Rs 50 per day for rearing of indigenous cows. CM Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting. Since the goshalas could not afford it due to low income, the decision was taken to strengthen them. This scheme will be implemented online by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission,” the Maharashtra CM’s Office stated.

The initiative, managed by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission, aims to support struggling goshalas and reverse the declining population of indigenous cows, which fell by 20.69 per cent according to the 2019 census.