Shimla, April 5 (PTI) To address the issue of stray and destitute cattle, the Himachal Pradesh government distributed Rs 14.68 crore under the Gopal Yojana in the 2025-26 fiscal as a maintenance grant to ensure proper care, shelter and well-being of abandoned and destitute cows across the state, officials said on Sunday.
A government spokesman said, “Recognising the serious challenges posed by stray cattle, particularly the damage caused to standing crops, the government has accorded high priority to resolving this issue.
“Farmers in many parts of the state were facing substantial losses due to crop destruction, and in some areas, the situation forced them to scale down or abandon agricultural activities.
“As part of a major policy initiative to strengthen cattle care, the financial assistance for the upkeep of cows in the registered cow shelters and sanctuaries has been significantly enhanced.” According to officials, the monthly grant has been increased from Rs 700 to Rs 1,200 per cow, with effect from October 1, 2025.
The enhanced assistance is being disbursed through the Himachal Pradesh Gau Seva Aayog to ensure better management, improved nutrition and proper healthcare for the animals, the spokesman said.
He also said that proper rehabilitation of stray cattle will not only address the challenges faced by the farmers and encourage them to resume farming activities, it will also improve road safety, given that a significant number of road accidents are attributed to stray cattle.
“In recent years, the state government established multiple cow sanctuaries and large Gausadans. The government has decided to grant permission to voluntary organisations, NGOs, and business houses to adopt them,” the spokesman said.
Also, several measures have been proposed in the state Budget for FY27 for the rehabilitation of stray cattle, he added. PTI COR ARI
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