Sonipat, March 3 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday released ₹68.34 crore in grants for cow shelters across the state.
Addressing a gathering during a state-level grant distribution program held in Bhatgaon village in Sonipat, Saini said that the cow is a symbol of culture and faith.
He said "gau seva" is not merely a religious endeavor, but also associated with social harmony, rural economy, and environmental protection.
The state government aims to make cow shelters financially strong and self-reliant, he said.
Under this initiative, the chief minister said ₹5.60 crore has been released for 27 registered cow shelters in the Sonipat district. Currently, 602 registered cow shelters across the state are receiving this grant, ensuring proper fodder for the sheltered cows.
He said that in the past over 11 years, the state government has provided ₹457.41 crore to registered cow shelters.
With the present release, the total grant has increased to more than ₹525.75 crore, reflecting the government's commitment to cow protection, Saini said, according to an official statement.
He said that in 2014, there were only 215 registered cow shelters in the state, compared to 697 now.
He further said that solar power plants have been installed at 330 cow shelters, asserting that the target is to convert all registered cow shelters into solar-powered facilities by 2026-27.
Additionally, electricity is being provided to cow shelters at a subsidized rate of ₹2 per unit, the chief minister said.
He said that regular veterinary services are being ensured at the cow shelters, and e-rickshaws are also being provided to help them market their products and increase income.
He said that two cow sanctuaries have been established with a capacity to shelter thousands of cattle. Funds worth several crores have been released for proper arrangements of sheds, water and fodder in these sanctuaries.
Saini said that special incentive schemes are being implemented for the protection and promotion of indigenous breeds such as Hariana, Sahiwal, and Belahi.
Incentives ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 are being provided based on milk production capacity. Special emphasis is being laid on breed improvement and conservation through the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, he said.