The Chhattisgarh government will soon launch a new cattle protection scheme, the Gaudham Yojana, with a “special focus on curbing illegal trafficking and ensuring safety of stray cattle”. It will shelter cows seized by police during anti-smuggling operations, a government statement said.
“The Livestock Development Department has designed this scheme keeping in mind the safety of cattle seized during illegal transportation or smuggling, as well as stray cattle. The State already has a ban on illegal trafficking and transportation of animals. Large numbers of cattle are seized by police during anti-smuggling operations along inter-State borders. The scheme is being launched to ensure a safe shelter for such cattle. Each Gaudham will be able to house a maximum of 200 cattle, depending on capacity,” the release said.
Over the past year, the Chhattisgarh High Court has on more than one occasion expressed concern over stray cattle on roads and highways, noting the risks posed to both animals and humans.
The new scheme includes a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹10,916 for cowherds and ₹13,126 for cattle attendants. Additionally, a fixed daily allowance will be provided for fodder. Outstanding Gaudhams will receive daily per-animal payments — ₹10 in the first year, ₹20 in the second, ₹30 in the third, and ₹35 in the fourth year.
