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The Maharashtra government has announced a new subsidy scheme that will provide Rs 50 per cow per day, or Rs 1,500 per cow per month, to gaushalas (cow shelters) in the state. This move, which mirrors the state's existing Ladki Bahin Yojana for women, has sparked debate and raised questions about the financial implications and the political motivations behind this decision.
The scheme, announced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, aims to “strengthen them financially” and ensure the preservation of indigenous breeds of cows. This initiative comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra, highlighting the potential political leverage associated with this policy. The state government has also declared indigenous breeds of cows as “Rajyamata-Gomata” or mother of the state, emphasizing their cultural significance and the importance of their conservation.
However, the timing of this announcement has raised eyebrows. The Maharashtra finance department has recently expressed concerns about financial pressure due to revenue deficits and new schemes. These concerns were highlighted in response to a sports department proposal seeking approvals to spend Rs 1,781 crore to build sports complexes in the state. While the finance department expressed reservations, the state government ultimately approved the proposal.
The government's decision to provide financial assistance to gaushalas comes amid a backdrop of declining indigenous cow populations. The 20th animal census conducted in 2019 indicated a 20% decline in indigenous cows compared to the 19th census. The financial assistance to gaushalas is seen as a potential strategy to address this decline and promote the breeding of indigenous breeds.
The move by Maharashtra mirrors similar initiatives by other states, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, which have also implemented financial assistance programs for gaushalas. This trend suggests a growing emphasis on the economic and cultural importance of cows and the need to support their welfare in these states.
The announcement has sparked debate about the effectiveness of such schemes and the potential consequences for other sectors. Critics argue that the allocation of funds towards gaushalas may result in delayed or reduced subsidies for other essential sectors. The political motivations behind the announcement have also been questioned, especially considering the timing of the announcement ahead of the elections.
In conclusion, the Maharashtra government's decision to provide financial assistance to gaushalas represents a significant policy shift that aligns with the state's broader agenda of cow conservation and indigenous breed preservation. However, the financial implications and potential impact on other sectors remain a subject of debate. The move is likely to have a significant impact on the political landscape in Maharashtra as the state prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Source: Maharashtra will pay gaushalas same amount per cow as women get under Ladki Bahin scheme – Rs 1,500