Maharashtra Declares Indigenous Cows as ‘Rajya Mata’
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vinod Bansal praised the Maharashtra government’s decision to declare indigenous cows as ‘Rajya Mata.’ He said, “It is undoubtedly a welcome step. There should also be a complete ban on cow slaughter. I think this is a welcome step towards protecting cows. Maharashtra is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who worked extensively for Gaumata.”
Government Initiatives
The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has conferred the title of ‘Rajya Mata’ on indigenous cows to promote their welfare ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. In a cabinet meeting, the government also approved a subsidy scheme offering Rs 50 per day for rearing these cows in ‘goshalas’ (cow shelters).
The Chief Minister’s Office announced, “A decision was taken in the Maharashtra cabinet meeting today to implement a subsidy scheme of Rs 50 per day for the rearing of indigenous cows.” This initiative, managed by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission, aims to support struggling goshalas and address the decline in indigenous cow populations, which fell by 20.69 percent according to the 2019 census. The number of indigenous cows has decreased to 4,613,632.
Additional Measures
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Indigenous cows are a boon for our farmers. So, we have decided to grant this (‘Rajya Mata’) status to them.” Additionally, the state government approved a 10 percent salary increase for Kotwals, along with an incentive subsidy for Gram Rozgar Sevaks. Other measures include expediting subway construction from Orange Gate to Marine Drive and revising plans for the Thane circular metro rail project at a cost of Rs 12,200 crores.
The Maharashtra legislative assembly elections will be held in 288 constituencies, with the dates yet to be announced.
Doubts Revealed
Indigenous Cows -: Indigenous cows are cows that are native to India. They are different from cows that come from other countries.
Rajya Mata -: ‘Rajya Mata’ means ‘Mother of the State’. It is a special title given to indigenous cows to show respect and importance.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad -: Vishwa Hindu Parishad is an organization in India that works to promote Hindu values and culture.
Cow Slaughter -: Cow slaughter means killing cows for their meat. Some people in India want to stop this practice to protect cows.
Subsidy Scheme -: A subsidy scheme is a plan where the government gives money to help people. In this case, it helps people who take care of indigenous cows.
Goshalas -: Goshalas are special places where cows are taken care of. They are like shelters for cows.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde -: Eknath Shinde is the leader of the Maharashtra state government. He makes important decisions for the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis -: Devendra Fadnavis is the second-in-command in the Maharashtra state government. He helps the Chief Minister in running the state.
Kotwals -: Kotwals are local officials in villages who help maintain law and order. They have various duties to help the community.
Assembly Elections -: Assembly elections are when people in a state vote to choose their leaders. These leaders make decisions for the state.