Why is Madhya Pradesh Renaming its Animal Husbandry Department to 'Gau Palan Vibhag'?

Bhopal, June 20 (NationPress) In a strategic move that highlights its cultural and policy priorities, the Madhya Pradesh government has revealed plans to rename its Animal Husbandry department to Gau Palan Vibhag, reflecting a renewed commitment to cow welfare and traditional values.

During the inaugural Gaushala Sammelan (Cowshed Conclave) at his official residence in Bhopal, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that this change is meant to honor Gaumata and to align the department’s identity with its fundamental mission.

“What value does a secretariat or department hold if ‘Gau Palan” or ‘Gopal’ isn’t part of its name?” he noted, receiving enthusiastic applause from cow shelter operators from across the state.

The renaming initiative, along with substantial investments, signals a significant shift in Madhya Pradesh’s rural development approach—one that intertwines tradition with economic opportunities, and reverence with reform.

As the state aims to establish itself as a leader in cow welfare and dairy innovation, the Gau Palan Vibhag is poised to become a fundamental aspect of its agrarian vision.

This conclave represented a crucial milestone in the state’s cow protection initiatives, with the government allocating Rs 90 crore in grants to Gaushalas and announcing awards for exceptional institutions and individuals dedicated to cow service.

The financial assistance per cow has been increased from Rs 20 to Rs 40 daily, with a total provision of Rs 505 crore set aside for cow welfare in the 2025–26 budget.

The Chief Minister also revealed plans to construct modern shelters for over 5,000 stray cattle in major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Jabalpur.

The event also highlighted the Kamdhenu Yojana, a flagship program designed to enhance dairy production and improve rural livelihoods.

Beneficiaries can establish dairy units with 25 to 200 milch animals, receiving subsidies of up to 33 percent for SC/ST and women, and 25 percent for others.

Now restructured under the Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana, the scheme allows for financial aid of up to Rs 42 lakh per unit.

Officials indicated that more than 4 lakh cattle across 2,150 Gaushalas are currently supported by the Madhya Pradesh Gausamvardhan Board.

The grant disbursement has been streamlined through direct benefit transfer to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The government has also approved a new policy to support self-sustaining Gaushalas, providing land and infrastructure assistance to institutions housing numerous cattle.