UP Minister Dharampal Singh Highlights Cow Shelter Measures, Criticises SP Govt's Cattle Policies

Lucknow, September 21 - Uttar Pradesh's Animal Husbandry Minister, Dharampal Singh, has harshly criticized the Samajwadi Party and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, focusing on disparities in cow protection policies during their respective administrations. Singh noted, "When Akhilesh Yadav was Chief Minister, cows were terrified of butchers, whereas the situation has improved since 2017; now, butchers are those who live in fear."

The minister revealed, "Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, illegal slaughterhouses were shut down. During Akhilesh Yadav's time, farmers were not a priority, but both cows and farmers are now top priorities for the Yogi government." Singh also took a jab at Akhilesh Yadav over cow dung, stating, "Akhilesh ji finds the smell of cow dung offensive, while cow dung is considered sacred by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath."

Highlighting the religious significance of cows, Singh said, "In Indian tradition, the cow holds the status of a mother. The milk of indigenous cows is like nectar, and the Yogi government is prioritizing cow protection, aligning with this sentiment."

On cow shelters, Singh reported, "Uttar Pradesh currently has around 7,500 cow shelters, housing approximately 1.3 million cattle. The Yogi government has increased the daily allowance for the upkeep of stray cattle from ₹30 to ₹50." He announced plans to grow green fodder on one hectare of land in each district to ensure fodder availability at cow-protection centers, and mentioned that grazing lands had been cleared of encroachments.

Dharampal Singh further explained, "A joint committee of six departments - Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Revenue, Police, Animal Husbandry, and Urban Development - has been formed for the protection of stray cattle. The District Magistrate is the committee's chairman, and the Chief Veterinary Officer is its convenor. All departments are collaborating to protect stray cattle and taking action against those involved in cow smuggling."

Singh reiterated that cow protection remains a priority for the Yogi government, with continuous efforts being made to provide shelter and protection to stray cattle throughout the state.