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This is an archive article published on January 3, 2025
Karnataka modifies former BJP govt’s proposal to build 100 cow shelters, BJP slams decision
State govt decides to utilise Rs 10.50 crore to improve existing shelters instead of creating new ones citing lack of cows in the new gaushalas.
A native of Champaran in Bihar, has been arrested for allegedly slashing the udders of three cows on Sunday followed by claims of false implication. (Representational image, Express File Photo)
The Congress government in Karnataka has decided to modify a proposal made by the previous BJP government to create 100 gaushalas or cow shelters at a cost of Rs 50 crore, citing lack of cattle in many of the new shelters.
The Opposition BJP criticised the move saying that the “decision hurt the sentiments of crores of people who worship cows”.
A Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday decided to utilise Rs 10.50 crore to improve the condition of existing gaushalas in the state instead of creating 100 new ones.
“In the 2022-23 budget, an announcement was made to create new gaushalas. The proposal has not been cancelled but the amount will be diverted to improve the condition of existing cow shelters. For this Rs 10.50 crore has been allotted,” Law Minister H K Patil said after the Cabinet meeting.
“As many 16 gaushalas under the proposal were completed and works of 35 others have started, but there are no cattle in many of these new gaushalas. So, instead of creating new gaushalas, the existing ones will be improved,” he explained.
The state has around 66 gaushalas now.
The proposal to create 100 new gaushalas was made in the 2022-23 budget presented by the Basavaraj Bommai government.
“Our government has given importance to the preservation of cattle resources. In this background, Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, was implemented last year. For effective implementation of this Act, the number of gaushalas will be increased from the present 31 to 100. For this purpose Rs 50 crore will be provided,” Bommai had announced in 2022. The previous BJP government had also proposed a scheme for the public to fund the upkeep of animals in gaushalas with annual donations.
The BJP, however, lost power in the 2023 Assembly polls.
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BJP state chief B Y Vijayendra criticised the state government’s decision. “The claim that there are no cows in the new gaushalas is just an excuse. If the intention was sincere, gaushalas would have already been functioning actively. How can we expect a commitment to save and develop gaushalas from the Congress government which always worries about beef eaters?” Vijayendra wrote on social media.
“This decision of the government is highly condemnable. With this decision, the government has hurt the sentiments of crores of people who worship cows,” he argued.
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