Question : Protection and Care of Cows

(a) whether the Government is implementing any scheme/programme for rearing, protection and care of cows;
(b) if so, the details of the schemes along with the States where these are being implemented at present and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) whether the Government provides assistance to various non-Governmental organizations/voluntary organizations/ private organizations engaged in running cowshelters (Gaushalas) for the protection of cows in the country and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

(SHRIMATI KRISHNA RAJ)

Part (a) to (c) As informed by Animal Welfare Board of India under the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change the Board is promoting animal welfare organization (AWO) including Gaushalas for the protection and care of cattle by providing Regular Grant, Shelter Grant, and Ambulance Grant. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries is also implementing following schemes for promotion of rearing of bovines, control of major animal diseases and enhancing feed and fodder availability.
i) Rashtriya Gokul Mission with aim of development and conservation of indigenous breeds and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovine population.
ii) National Dairy Plan-I with the aim of enhancing production of productivity of milch animals and to provide rural milk producers greater access to the organized milk processing centre. The scheme also has focus on development and conservation of 12 indigenous breeds of cattle and buffaloes.
iii) Livestock Health and Disease Control for tackling the issues of livestock health assistance is released under the scheme to the States & UTs
iv) National Livestock Mission having submission on Feed & Fodder Development for increasing fodder availability in the country and Livestock Development with the component for providing insurance coverage to bovines along with other livestock species.

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