Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde
Credit: PTI Photo
Mumbai: In a significant move, BJP-led Eknath Shinde's Maya Yuti government in Maharashtra has declared ‘desi gai’ (indigenous cows) as “RajyaMata-GauMata”.
Several Right-wing organisations have welcomed the decision of the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP government.
However, there was no immediate reaction from the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.
The government resolution/notification to the effect was issued on Monday by the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries.
The government has emphasised on the role of cows in India's spiritual, scientific and even military history, underscoring their importance since ancient and Vedic times.
The other factors cited include the importance of indigenous cow milk in human nutrition, ayurvedic and panchagavya treatment and use of cow manure in organic farming.
It also states the agricultural benefits of cow dung, which enhances soil fertility and "contributes to human nutrition".
The subsidy scheme for rearing of indigenous cows was also discussed in the Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
“Indigenous cows are a boon for our farmers. So, we have decided to grant the RajyaMata status to it,” said Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader.
An official of the Chief Minister’s Office said: “As many goshalas are not financially viable, a decision was taken to strengthen them. This scheme will be implemented online by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission. 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 less than 46,13,632. This number has decreased by 20.69 per cent compared to the 19th census."