CM Nayab Singh Saini Urges Public to Help Make Cow Shelters Self-Reliant on Gopashtami

Karnal, October 30 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini called upon citizens to join hands in protecting cows and making cow shelters self-sufficient. Speaking as the chief guest at the Gopashtami celebration held at Shri Krishna Gaushala in Karnal, he announced a grant of ₹21 lakh from his discretionary fund to the gaushala.

The Chief Minister emphasized that serving and protecting cows is a moral responsibility of every individual. He appealed to people not to abandon cows on roads and to support initiatives that promote the use of cow-based products like dung and urine, which can generate sustainable income for gaushalas. Before addressing the gathering, Saini offered prayers, fed the cows, and inspected the medical facilities available at the shelter.

He said that Gopashtami symbolizes compassion, service, and duty — values deeply rooted in Indian culture. “This festival is not just a celebration but a reminder of our cultural and spiritual duties,” he added.

Cows: A Blend of Spiritual, Social, and Economic Value
Saini underlined the cultural and spiritual significance of the cow, stating that in ancient times, a person’s wealth was measured by the number of cows owned. Recalling mythological stories, he said that Kamadhenu — the divine cow — emerged during the Samudra Manthan and has been revered since. He also mentioned that Lord Krishna was named ‘Govind’ after Indra blessed him during the Govardhan episode, which is why the eighth day after that event is celebrated as Gopashtami.

He further said that cow’s milk is as beneficial as a mother’s milk and has been scientifically proven to help cure several diseases.

Government’s Steps for Cow Protection and Shelter Development
Highlighting his government’s initiatives, the CM said that Haryana has taken multiple steps to ensure cow protection, natural farming, and gaushala development. “Eleven years ago, the Cow Service Commission received only ₹2 crore in grants, but our government has raised this to ₹600 crore,” he said.

The number of registered gaushalas in the state has increased from 215 in 2014 to 686 in 2025, with the cow population rising from 1.75 lakh to over 4 lakh. To assist gaushalas, the state is providing electricity at ₹2 per unit, has waived stamp duty for land registration, and is purchasing 800 e-rickshaws for better management.

Shelter construction is ongoing, with ₹10 lakh already sanctioned per gaushala. Fifty-one shelters have been completed, while others are under construction. Mobile veterinary services and weekly check-ups have also been introduced for gaushalas across the state.

Financial Support and Cow-Based Products
Saini said that the state has provided ₹88.5 crore as fodder subsidy to 605 gaushalas and ₹388.6 crore over the past 11 years. Under the National Gokul Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts are being made to improve indigenous cow breeds.

Cow dung and urine are now being used to produce organic fertilizers, eco-friendly phenyl, lamps, pots, soaps, incense sticks, and other products. For Panchgavya-based production, machinery and financial aid are being provided — with ₹6.5 crore granted to 101 gaushalas recently.

He also mentioned that strict laws have been enforced to protect cows, with up to 10 years of imprisonment for cow slaughter and seven years for cow smuggling.

Spiritual Reflections on Gopashtami
Earlier, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj highlighted the spiritual importance of Gopashtami, describing the cow as the “soul of Sanatan traditions.” He said that protecting cows ensures the preservation of life and culture.

The event was attended by Shankaracharya of Bhanpura Peeth, Prem Murti Maharaj, Chief Whip and MLA Ramkumar Kashyap, MLAs Jagmohan Anand and Yogendra Rana, Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, BJP District President Praveen Lather, Cow Service Commission Chairman Shravan Kumar Garg, and Gaushala President Sunil Gupta.