Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
I
t was the responsibility of the government and society to take care of the aged cows,said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.
Speaking after launching the ‘Punyakoti’ adoption scheme here on Thursday,he said they need to question whether they are doing this as they have the habit of using the cows and later leaving them.
For this reason,the government implemented the prevention of cow slaughtering act.Now those cows are looked after like the kids in the goshalas.
Our culture
The CM said this is the most touching and emotional program.The Gou Matha means ‘Kamadhenu’,a part and parcel of their life.
If possible,they must live like cows as the Kamadhenu gives everybody milk,health,and happiness.The cow has the most sacred place in India and it is a culture also.
First experiment
Bommai said the ‘Punyakoti’adoption scheme was introduced for the protection of cows in the State.This is the first of its kind experiment in the country and the cows are provided fodder,care, and shelter.
The state government employees have contributed Rs. 28 crore towards the adoption scheme and another Rs. 12 crore is expected.
Besides,other associations and organizations have donated Rs.100 crore to take care of 28,000 cows.
From next year,the scheme will be extended to one lakh cows.The citizens can visit the Punya Koti website and make online donations.Helping the cows is like serving mothers.Those who love their mothers will help this scheme.
The CM said the goshalas that have received the grants must send the video of the adopted cows once a month to the Department as this will inspire more people.
This is one of the most memorable schemes that has been implemented by the incumbent government. When the skin disease hit the cattle population,the government released Rs.49 crore for their treatment.
A compensation of Rs.20000 was given to those who lost a cow.The construction of 100 goshalas is going on and they are in the different stages of completion. They are expected to start functioning within the next three to four months.
Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chavan, Department Secretary Salma Fahim,Commissioner Ashwathi,Government Employees Association President Shadakshari, and others were present.
