The state cabinet okayed the plan to set up cow shelters under the urban and rural civic bodies and 'cow welfare cess" will be imposed for the same.
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on Tuesday approved a plan to impose a ‘Gau kalyan cess’ (cow welfare cess) on eight “profit-making” public sector departments to generate funds for setting up temporary 'gauvansh ashray asthal' (cow shelters) across the state to take proper care of stray cattle.
The state cabinet meeting, presided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, okayed the plan to set up cow shelters under the urban and rural civic bodies and 'cow welfare cess" will be imposed for the same.
A government spokesman said temporary cow sheds (gaushalas) will be opened in all villages, panchayats, municipalities, nagar panchayats and municipal corporations. These cowsheds will be constructed through MNREGS funds, he added.
In every district, both urban and rural areas, a cowshed with a capacity of minimum 1,000 animals will be built and for this, a total of 2 per cent "cow welfare cess" will be imposed on excise, mandi parishad and toll tax among others.
A 0.5% of cess will be levied on toll tax while the cess on mandi fees has been increased to 2% from current 1%. The cess on excise is yet to be decided by the government.
Stating farmers are fast taking the mechanised route, the officials said more and more cattle owners are deserting their animals. He said the new policy will ensure these stray animals are taken care of and concerned departments work with the state government in coordination for better results.
Besides aiding the animal husbandry department, these 'ashray asthals' will be working on a self-sustaining model.
Last week, the chief minister had directed the officials to make immediate arrangements for proper care of stray cows.
He had ordered removal of illegal encroachments to pave the way for fresh grazing grounds in different parts of the state.
In a meeting with senior officials, the chief minister asked them to set up a committee to consider measures for providing better shelter facilities to stray cows and directed Chief Secretary Anup Chandra Pandey to be present with recommendations in a week's time.
Adityanath said in case of encroachments immediate steps would be taken for their removal and strict action will be initiated against the accused.
In another important decision, the state cabinet gave its nod for providing compensation to officials and employees of the state police and fire services in case of disability suffered during the discharge of duties .
Earlier this compensation was extended only in case of death, the spokesman said.
The cabinet also approved a plan to give police station status to ten units of UP Vigilance to expedite inquiry and prosecution in such cases, the spokesman added.
(With PTI inputs)
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