Budget 2019: The Indian government is setting up a new initiative for the welfare of cows

• The Interim Budget 2019 introduced the ‘Rashtriya Kaam Denu Aayog’ to look after the welfare schemes for cows in India.
• The scheme will also work towards improving the production and productivity of cows.

In the Interim Budget 2019 that the Indian government announced on Friday, they included plans to set up the ‘Rashtriya Kaam Denu Aayog’. The commission will essentially be focusing on the welfare of cows while also improving their efficacy.

The new initiative will work towards upscaling sustainable genetic upgradation of cow resources and find ways to enhance the production and productivity of cows. It will also look after the effective implementation of laws and the welfare schemes for cows that are already in place.

Piyush Goyal, an Indian politician and the current minister of Railways, said, “Gau maata ka samman mein aur gau maata ke liye yeh sarkar kabhi peeche nahi hatte gi.” (Respecting the cow and for the cow, this government will never hold back.)

It’s a direct attempt to tout to its base of hindu fundamentalist voters. Any farmers involved in animal husbandry will be given 2% subsidy through the Kisan Credit Card Scheme, and another 3% subsidy will be doled out for timely payments of loans.

The increasing importance of cows

The focus on cows in politics has been increasing since 2015. In fact, there are many policies designed specifically for the welfare and protection of cows in India. Just earlier this month, the Delhi government announced that it will be opening a paying guest (PG) hostels for cows.

Even the opposition, the National Congress Party, promised to increase the number of cow sanctuaries and funds for the bovine animal ahead of the 5-state assembly elections in December.