Maharashtra: Uddhav Govt Could Reverse Cow-Protection Scheme Which It Had Previously Supported

The Uddhav Thackeray led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra is likely to reverse the cow-protection scheme Govardhan Govansh Seva Kendra (GGSK), reports Times Of India.

This scheme was introduced by Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP-Sena alliance. This scheme came into effect after beef was banned in the state and the idea was to bolster infrastructure at cow sheds (gaushalas), that would enable to conserve, protect and develop cattle and progeny.

Dairy and animal husbandry minister Sunil Kedar who belongs to the Indian National Congress (INC) said the MVA is reviewing the scheme.

“We have not reached any conclusions yet. The department has been asked to review the scheme and prepare a report on how much funds have been spent, the impact of the scheme and other details,” said Kedar.

A senior official was reported saying in the report that GGSK funds may not be released from now on as neither Congress nor NCP — constituents of the MVA, along with Shiv Sena — is interested to go ahead with the scheme.

Also, the Uddhav Thackeray-led government is not in favour of this scheme because most gaushala functionaries are linked to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

A few days ago MVA Government’s Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik announced that the state Government would table a bill to give Muslims reservation in educational institutions which the Shiv Sena had denied.

However, former CM Devendra Fadnavis said "Any reservation which is against the Constitution needs to be opposed. Muslim reservation is being given on the basis of religion. So, we will be opposing this reservation as it is anti-Constitutional. We will not support anything which is anti-constitutional."

Additionally, last month the Maha Vikas Aghadi government stopped the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan — former chief minister Fadnavis’ pet project aimed at ridding the drought-prone regions of Maharashtra from water scarcity.

Also read: Maharashtra: Congress-NCP-Sena Govt Closes Project Launched By Fadnavis To Rid State Of Droughts; Data Tells It Was Successful