UP CM approves plan to install cow-sheds for stray cattle
What's the story
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved a plan to set up and run temporary 'gauvansh ashray asthals' under the urban and rural civic bodies in order to take proper care of stray cattle.
The state cabinet meeting, presided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, okayed the plan yesterday, and said a 'cow welfare cess' will be imposed for the same, a government spokesman said.
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Plans
Cowsheds to be constructed through MNREGA funds
The official said temporary cowsheds (gaushalas) will be opened in all villages, panchayats, municipalities, nagar panchayats, and municipal corporations.
These cowsheds will be constructed through MNREGA funds, he added.
In every district, both urban and rural areas, a cowshed with capacity of minimum 1,000 animals will be built and for this, a total of 2% "cow welfare cess" will be imposed, he said.
Reason
Farmers taking mechanized route, consequently animals get deserted
The official said that cess will be imposed on excise, mandi parishad, profitable corporations, and others.
Stating farmers are fast taking the mechanized route, the officials said more and more cattle owners are deserting their animals.
He said the new policy will ensure these stray animals are taken care of, and concerned departments work with the state government in coordination for better results.
Order
Remove illegal encroachments to provide fresh grazing grounds, orders Yogi
Besides aiding the animal husbandry department, these 'ashray asthals' will be working on a self-sustaining model.
Last week, the chief minister had directed the officials to make immediate arrangements for proper care of stray cows.
He had ordered the removal of illegal encroachments to pave the way for fresh grazing grounds in different parts of the state.
Orders
Chief Secretary asked to present recommendations in a week's time
In a meeting with senior officials, Yogi asked them to set up a committee to consider measures for providing better shelter facilities to stray cows, and directed Chief Secretary Anup Chandra Pandey to be present with recommendations in a week's time.
Adityanath said in case of encroachments, immediate steps would be taken for their removal and strict action will be initiated against the accused.
Compensation order
UP Cabinet makes changes in compensation-pattern for police, fire services
The state cabinet also approved providing compensation to officials and employees of the state police and fire services in case of disability suffered during the discharge of duties.
Earlier this compensation was extended only in case of death.
The cabinet also approved a plan to give police station status to ten units of UP Vigilance to expedite inquiry, and prosecution in such cases.