Maharashtra Govt Declares 'Rajya Mata' Status for Indigenous Cows Ahead of Elections

Maharashtra's government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, announced a new subsidy scheme and conferred 'Rajya Mata' status to indigenous cows to support their welfare and boost struggling goshalas. This move comes in the run-up to the state's upcoming legislative assembly elections.

Maharashtra's government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Monday granted the title of 'Rajya Mata' to indigenous cows to enhance their welfare. This announcement came ahead of the state's forthcoming assembly elections. During a cabinet meeting chaired by Shinde, the administration also decided to roll out a subsidy scheme, providing Rs 50 per day for the upkeep of these cows in goshalas.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office stated that a subsidy scheme of Rs 50 per day for rearing indigenous cows would be implemented online by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission. The decision aims to support goshalas struggling to sustain themselves due to low income. This initiative is a direct response to the declining population of indigenous cows, which saw a 20.69% drop according to the 2019 census.

Each district will have a District Goshala Verification Committee to oversee the implementation. The 2019 animal census reported the indigenous cow population at 46,13,632, marking a significant decrease from previous years.

In addition, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the importance of indigenous cows for farmers, stating the government's commitment to supporting their rearing at goshalas. Fadnavis also highlighted other government decisions, including a 10% salary increase for Kotwals, an Rs 8,000 monthly incentive for Gram Rozgar Sevaks, accelerated subway work from Orange Gate to Marine Drive, and a revised Rs 12,200 crore plan for the Thane circular metro rail project.

The Maharashtra legislative assembly elections will be contested across 288 constituencies, with the Election Commission of India yet to announce the dates. The upcoming polls will see a face-off between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition and the Maha Yuti Alliance.