‘Gau cabinet’ meets; Madhya Pradesh considers cow cess for gaushalas

Chouhan chaired the first meeting of the gau cabinet virtually from his Bhopal residence. At least five cabinet ministers, head of the departments and 14 cow experts from across the country had connected via video conferencing.

Chouhan subsequently flew to Agar Malwa to celebrate gopashtami at the cow sanctuary in Salaria. Addressing a gathering there, Chouhan said, “We are working on a proposal that will enable us to recover some small amounts from the people in the form of a small tax that will enable us to have enough funds for the upkeep maintenance of gaushalas.”

He said care will be taken to ensure that the cess does not create additional burden on the common man.

He added that cow milk is like “amrit” and children suffering from malnourishment will be given milk that will increase the sale of milk and benefit gaushalas.

The Chief Minister said he will ensure that Madhya Pradesh sets an example in cow protection in the country and that the government will make complete use of cow dung, milk and cow urine.

An action plan will be made for protection and promotion of four native breeds found in MP — Malvi, Nimari, Kankatha and Gaolo, he said. Gobar gas plants will be installed in villages and connections will be given to homes there, the Chief Minister said.