Maharashtra Grants ‘Rajya Mata’ Status to Indigenous Cows, Announces Subsidy for Goshalas

Mumbai: Ahead of Assembly elections in Maharashtra, the Eknath Shinde-headed state government on Monday announced ‘Rajya Mata’ status for indigenous cows.

“Indigenous cows are a boon for our farmers. So we have decided to grant this (‘Rajya Mata’) status to them. We have also decided to extend help for the rearing of indigenous cows at goshalas,” ANI quoted Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis as saying.

The state cabinet also decided to provide a subsidy of Rs 50 per day to goshalas for rearing indigenous cows, a statement from the Chief Minister’s office said.

“Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the meeting. Since the goshalas could not afford it due to their low income, the decision was taken to strengthen them. This scheme will be implemented online by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission,” CMO said.

“Each district will have a District Goshala Verification Committee. According to the 20th animal census in 2019, the number of indigenous cows has been found to be as low as 4,613,632. This number has decreased by 20.69 percent compared to the 19th census,” the statement added.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday that Assembly elections will be held before the current tenure ends on November 26.