The chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced that they will be setting up a separate ministry for cow so that the welfare of the cows can be done in a systematic manner.
The CM was addressing Acharya Vidyasagar Jeev Daya Samman Samaroh organised in Khajuraho of Chhatarpur district. “I have reason to believe that the Cow Protection Board in the state should be turned into a full-fledged ministry”, he said. The event was also attended by Digambar Jain monk Vidyasagarji Maharaj.
Although the state has a board to protect the cows, the CM has made this promise in the wake of upcoming elections. Ragarding the present board to protect cows he said, “The cow ministry will replace the existing Madhya Pradesh Gaupalan Evam Pashudhan Samvardhan Board (MPGEPSB) because it (board) has limitation. The government releases small funds to the (MPGEPS) board. An independent ministry will work in a better way to serve cows”.
MPGEPSB executive council chairman Swami Akhileshwaranand who is also enjoys a status of cabinet rank minister has lauded this move. He said that he had recommended setting up of a ‘gau mantralay’ earlier as well. He also stated that the move would inspire future generations to take care of cows.
Earlier in September, Kamal Nath, the state congress party chief had also promised building ‘Gaushalas’ in each panchayat if they come to power. “Look at the condition of the cows here. They always keep talking about cattle but do nothing for them. If we are voted to power, we will construct gaushalas in every panchayat,” he said last month.
But taking no chances, the BJP leader went one step ahead and proposed to build a ministry. However, according to the Congress party these are fake claims made by the CM. Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja in a tweet alleged that the BJP in its 15 years regime did nothing to set up cow shelters and has awoken suddenly after Kamal Nath had announcement of setting up gaushalas.
If Madhya Pradesh implements the decision, it will become the second Indian state after Rajasthan to get a cow ministry. Otaram Dewasi was appointed the first ever Minister of Gaupalan Department, Government of Rajasthan. In fact, Rajasthan is the first state to have started cow safari to attract tourists. Also, the people there have to pay 20% extra on liquor as cow cess. This is in addition to the 10 percent cow protection surcharge on stamp duty.
The focus on the welfare of cows across the country has seen a surge ever since the Narendra Modi-led BJP came to power in 2014. But this heightened sensitivity towards the bovines has also led to a lot of mob vigilantism across the country. According to a Reuters report, 28 people were killed and 124 injured in alleged cow smuggling between 2010 and 2017.