Maharashtra Government Gives 'Rajya Mata' Status To Indigenous Cows, Announces Subsidy Scheme To Support Goshalas

Ahead of the assembly elections due later this year, the Maharashtra government announced ‘Rajya Mata’ status to indigenous cows and introduced a subsidy scheme of Rs 50 per day for their rearing.

In a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Monday (30 September), the decision was taken to support Goshalas, which have been struggling due to low income.

"Indigenous cows are a boon for our farmers. So, we have decided to grant this ('Rajya Mata') status to them. We have also decided to extend help for the rearing of indigenous cows at Goshalas," Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said.

The scheme will be managed online by the Maharashtra Goseva Aayog (Commission), with each district having a District Goshala Verification Committee, ANI reported.

According to the 2019 animal census, the population of indigenous cows stands at 46,13,632, marking a 20.69 per cent decline from the previous census, as reported by the Maharashtra CMO.

"This will provide great support for the protection and rearing of indigenous cows in Maharashtra. With this, Goshalas will also be able to function properly," Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said.