On Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Chief Minister announces fodder grant for cowsheds: ₹1.80 crore released for 19 cowsheds in Kurukshetra; ₹88.50 crore to be issued for 605 cowsheds across Haryana

Chandigarh, August 16 – On the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini released ₹1.80 crore as fodder grant for 19 cowsheds in Kurukshetra district. He also announced that the state government will release a total of ₹88.50 crore for 605 registered cowsheds across Haryana.

The Chief Minister made this announcement while addressing a fodder grant distribution ceremony at the Gita Gyan Sansthan in Kurukshetra. Extending Janmashtami greetings, he also inaugurated a research initiative on the Gita and Ayurveda. Earlier in the day, he visited Shri Krishna Kripa Gaushala, offered prayers to the cows by feeding them jaggery and fodder, and performed rituals at the Shri Krishna Kripa Temple within the Gita Gyan Sansthan premises.

Highlighting the government’s commitment, Saini said that in the last ten and a half years, registered cowsheds in Haryana have received fodder grants worth ₹270 crore, and with the latest release, the total has now reached ₹358.50 crore. He underlined the sacred status of the cow in Indian tradition, saying that since ancient times it has been revered as the abode of all deities. Religious and social organisations have long supported the establishment of cowsheds, and the state government, too, has taken significant steps for the development of gaushalas, protection of cattle and promotion of natural farming.

The Chief Minister noted that in 2014–15, the Haryana Gau Seva Aayog had a budget of just ₹2 crore, whereas today the allocation has risen to ₹595 crore. In 2014, Haryana had 215 registered cowsheds with 1.75 lakh cattle. At present, there are 686 registered cowsheds housing nearly four lakh stray cattle. Solar power plants have already been installed in 330 cowsheds, with work underway to cover the remaining.

He also announced that the procurement of 800 e-rickshaws for cowsheds is in progress, electricity is being provided at a concessional rate of ₹2 per unit, and no charges are levied if land is purchased for establishing a cowshed. Veterinary doctors are being appointed for regular health check-ups of cattle, while mobile veterinary clinics are also being provided. Additionally, 200 cowsheds will receive grants of ₹10 lakh each to build sheds for the rehabilitation of stray cattle.

Saini recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Rashtriya Gokul Mission for the preservation of indigenous cow breeds and said Haryana is working to make cowsheds self-reliant. Many gaushalas are now producing organic fertiliser, natural disinfectants, eco-friendly paints, clay items, incense, soap and other products from cow dung and urine. The state government is also supporting the purchase of equipment for Panchgavya production as per demand. He further highlighted the enforcement of the Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act, 2015, to ensure the protection of cows.

On this occasion, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana said that cows have held a special place in Indian culture since ancient times, forming the backbone of the economy and agriculture, particularly before Haryana’s formation. He noted that the government has launched numerous schemes for cow protection.

Spiritual leader Gita Manishi Gyananand Maharaj, who was present at the event, praised the Chief Minister’s efforts in cow protection. He said that Lord Krishna himself considered cows sacred, and Kurukshetra holds special significance as the land where he delivered the message of the Gita. He added that research on the Gita has been ongoing at the institute, and now it will expand to include Ayurveda as well.