Bilaspur, March 14 Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the Gaudham Yojana on Saturday, under which 1,460 shelters will be set up across the state to ensure the protection and proper management of stray and abandoned cattle.
Sai visited the Gaudham at the Lakhasar village in Takhatpur development block here, where he formally announced the launch of the scheme. He then virtually inaugurated 29 Gaudhams across 11 districts during an event held at the Guru Ghasidas Central University auditorium.
Addressing the gathering at Lakhasar, Sai said that his government has been implementing the scheme in phases to strengthen the tradition of cow protection while ensuring proper care for stray cattle.
"It is a matter of great fortune that the Gaudham Yojana is being launched from the sacred land of Lakhasar. This initiative marks another step in the state's development. Cattle are a key pillar of rural culture, agriculture, and the economy. Various programmes will be organised at Gaudhams, including training in animal husbandry, green fodder cultivation, and making useful products from cow dung," the CM said.
These initiatives are expected to create self-employment opportunities for local residents and strengthen the rural economy, he added.
He also announced that all Gaudhams in the state will now be known as 'Surabhi Gaudham'.
The Chief Minister approved Rs 25 lakh for the construction of a training building at the Lakhasar Gaudham and announced the provision of one cattle catcher vehicle and one animal ambulance.
Sai interacted with local cattle-rearers and villagers and appreciated those involved in cow protection and related service activities. He also inspected arrangements for fodder, water, and healthcare for animals housed at the facility.
The Lakhasar Gaudham, operated by the Kamdhenu Gaushala Committee, spans 25 acres, of which 19 acres are dedicated to green fodder cultivation.
Later, addressing the event at Guru Ghasidas Central University, the Chief Minister targeted the previous Congress government for alleged misuse of public funds in the name of cow protection.
"You are aware of how the previous government misused public funds in the name of cow protection and cow shelters. There was misappropriation of funds in the name of cow protection, and the Congress had to face the consequences (in the 2023 Assembly elections)," he said.
Sai said that cows are revered as mothers in Indian tradition, and every product derived from them is useful.
"Stray cattle are often seen wandering on roads and highways and sometimes die in accidents. The scheme has been launched to ensure their protection," he emphasised.
Livestock Development Department officials said that the scheme aims to provide safe shelter for abandoned and stray cattle while strengthening the rural economy.
"The plan is to establish 10 Gaudhams in every development block across the state, which means 1460 such facilities will be set up. The state government has already granted administrative approval for 36 Gaudhams, of which 29 have been registered with the Chhattisgarh Rajya Gauseva Aayog," an official said.
Under the scheme, Gaudhams will be operated by registered gaushala committees, NGOs, trusts, farmer producer companies, and cooperative societies. The state government will provide financial assistance for their operation, including daily feed support of Rs 10 per animal in the first year, Rs 20 in the second year, Rs 30 in the third year, and Rs 35 from the fourth year onwards, the official said.
"In addition, Rs 5 lakh annually will be provided for infrastructure construction and maintenance. Shepherds will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,916, while gausevaks will get Rs 13,126 per month. To promote fodder development, the government will provide Rs 47,000 per acre annually, up to a maximum of five acres (Rs 2.35 lakh per year). Each Gaudham will have the capacity to accommodate around 200 cattle," he added.