Chandigarh, October 1 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal urged all the Gaushalas to step forward and assist in providing shelter for the livestock currently roaming on the roads. The state government will provide full cooperation for this noble initiative. He specifically urged Gaushalas in Sonipat district to establish a committee for the purpose of accommodating stray cattle, with the assurance of government support for their efforts.

Chief Minister made these remarks during the 121st annual program organized at the Sisana Gaushala in Sonipat district.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 51 lakh for Sisana Gaushala this year, in addition to the previous grant of Rs 42 lakh. He said that grant would be provided for up to 7,000 cattle at the Gaushala, and an amount of Rs 70 lakh would be allocated for a shed covering 16 acres in Sisana, capable of accommodating 1,000 cattle above the initial 7,000. Furthermore, a research center on 25 acres, focusing on the development of indigenous cattle breeds, cow urine, cow dung, and related research, will be established by the Gau Sewa Aayog.

He personally participated in serving the cows at Sisana Gaushala by feeding them grass. He called for transcending political boundaries and urged everyone to contribute to cattle welfare.

He also highlighted the numerous benefits of cow's milk and praised the Sisana Gaushala's long-standing history. The Gaushala, established by Pandit Harnath in 1902, has received contributions from the Panchayats of 61 villages and government grants on multiple occasions. Chief Minister encouraged Gaushalas to maintain accurate records of their livestock to facilitate government grant allocation.

He shared that the number of Gaushalas in Haryana has significantly increased, rising from 215 in 2014-15 to 649. The state government is inviting new organizations to establish Gaushalas on cattle-grazing land, offering necessary funds and support. Existing cowsheds looking to expand will also receive grants for expansion projects, he added.

He revealed that presently, there are approximately 35,500 cattle in Gaushalas. The Sisana Gaushala has agreed to accommodate an additional 1000 outside cattle. The government has reduced the electricity bill for Gaushalas to Rs 2 per unit from the previous Rs 8 per unit.

Chief Minister encouraged Gaushalas to explore opportunities in the milk, cow urine, cow dung, and related industries, assuring government support for the sale of related products.

He also informed the state government's commitment to rural development, with an allocation of Rs 7600 crore for this purpose. The state of Haryana is becoming an attractive destination for national and international investors due to government facilities and grants in the industrial sector. Efforts to strengthen law and order have been successful in curbing corruption and crime. Additionally, the government now directly purchases land from farmers, benefiting them.

MLA Mohanlal Kaushik, Gau Sewa Aayog Chairman Shravan Kumar Garg and others were also present on this  occasion.