Maharashtra Government Grants Rajya Mata Status to Indigenous Cows, Announces Subsidy Scheme

Maharashtra government grants Rajya Mata status to indigenous cows, announcing ₹50 daily subsidy ahead of elections

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has announced Rajya Mata status for indigenous cows. This new initiative aims to support farmers and promote the rearing of native cattle breeds.

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Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that indigenous cows are a valuable asset for farmers, and the government has decided to extend financial help for their care. The state will implement a subsidy scheme of ₹50 per day for the rearing of these cows at Goshalas (cow shelters). This decision is intended to strengthen these shelters, many of which have been struggling due to limited income.

The announcement was made after a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Shinde. The subsidy scheme will be managed online by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission, and a District Goshala Verification Committee will be set up in each district to oversee the implementation.

According to the 2019 animal census, the number of indigenous cows in Maharashtra has decreased significantly, with only 46,13,632 cows remaining—a 20.69% drop compared to the previous census. This scheme aims to reverse that decline by offering financial incentives to support the care of these animals.

Maharashtra Assembly Elections

Maharashtra is set to hold elections for its 288-member legislative assembly, likely in November, with the current term ending on November 26. Political parties are preparing for a direct contest between the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, the BJP, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar mentioned that leaders from 11 different parties have requested that the election dates consider major festivals like Diwali and Chhath Puja. These elections are expected to be highly competitive as both alliances vie for control of the state.

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