Synopsis
On March 10, Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced a 15% increase in the daily grant for cow shelters, emphasizing the government's commitment to cattle welfare and holistic development in the state.Key Takeaways
- Daily grant for cow shelters increased by 15%.
- Gopal Credit Card Scheme extended to 2.5 lakh families.
- Stamp duty for credit card documents waived.
- Mukhyamantri Mangala Pashu Bima Yojana expanded.
- New initiatives for cattle welfare announced.
Jaipur, March 10 (NationPress) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reiterated the state government's dedication to comprehensive development, highlighting the importance of safeguarding and promoting cows.
In the recently unveiled state budget, various pivotal decisions have been made to support both cows and cattle rearers.
Among these decisions, the government has augmented the daily grant for cow shelters and Nandishalas by 15 percent, bringing it to Rs 50 per animal for the fiscal year. During a gratitude meeting at the Chief Minister's residence on Monday, Sharma underscored the state's efforts toward cattle welfare.
He reminisced about the initiation of the Gopal Credit Card Scheme last year, which offers interest-free loans up to Rs 1 lakh for building shelters, buying fodder, and procuring necessary equipment.
He declared that this scheme would be expanded to assist 2.5 lakh cow-rearing families in the forthcoming financial year. Furthermore, stamp duty on documents needed for the Gopal Credit Card has been eliminated, easing access to the program.
The Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of harmonizing development with cultural heritage.
He portrayed the Prime Minister as a global leader who has redefined the nation's path through his determination, strategic insights, and foresight. Sharma acknowledged the essential contributions of Rajasthani migrants who have set up cow shelters across India and overseas, preserving the sacred tradition of cow service.
Reiterating the government's proactive stance on cow protection, Sharma disclosed the broadening of the 'Mukhyamantri Mangala Pashu Bima Yojana' to enhance financial security for cattle farmers. The insured animal count per category will be doubled in the next financial year.
He further detailed other initiatives aimed at improving the situation, including increasing the supply of medicines and vaccines under the Pashudhan Nifit Arogya Yojana, raising milk collection goals under the Mukhyamantri Dudh Utpadak Sambal Yojana, providing millet-based grants to cow shelters in winter, creating 1,000 new cooperative societies, and hiring 100 veterinary officers and 1,000 livestock inspectors. Sharma highlighted the profound significance of cows in Indian tradition.
He compared cows to the sacred aspects of Ganga, Gomti, Geeta, and Govind, asserting that serving cows equates to worshipping all deities.
He urged society to fulfill its duty in honoring and protecting mother cow, calling for a collective public awareness campaign to promote daily cow service.
Leading saints present at the event expressed their gratitude for the government's steadfast commitment to cow protection. They remarked that while cow devotees once had to protest for such measures, the current administration is actively implementing policies favoring cow welfare.
