Punjab Newsline,Chandigarh :
Cow worship at Mata Mansa Devi Gaudham, announcement of ₹20 lakh for renovation of Shiva temple access road
Haryana Chief Minister Saini, on the occasion of his birthday, took another significant step towards fulfilling his commitment to cow welfare. At a programme held at Mata Mansa Devi Gaudham, he distributed cheques amounting to ₹1 crore 22 lakh 46 thousand as fodder grant to 14 gaushalas of the district. The initiative reflects the government’s continued focus on social welfare and cultural values.
Before the programme, CM Saini, along with his wife Mrs. Suman Saini, performed cow service at Mata Mansa Devi Gaudham. He offered fodder and jaggery to the cows, sought their blessings, and performed traditional cow worship. During the event, the Chief Minister also announced a grant of ₹20 lakh for the strengthening and renovation of the unpaved access road leading to the ancient Shiva temple located on the Saketri hill, which will facilitate easier movement for devotees.
Addressing the gathering, CM Saini said that the cow has been revered as a mother since ancient times in India. According to mythological beliefs, all gods and goddesses reside in the cow, which underlines its religious and cultural significance. Keeping this importance in mind, various religious and social organisations have established gaushalas. He added that the present government has taken several concrete steps for the development of gaushalas, protection of cattle, and promotion of natural farming.
The Chief Minister stated that over the last 11 years, registered gaushalas have been provided fodder grants worth nearly ₹270 crore. He said that in 2014–15, the budget of the Haryana Gau Seva Commission was only ₹2 crore, which has now been increased to ₹595 crore in the current financial year.
CM Saini further informed that till 2014, Haryana had 215 registered gaushalas sheltering around 1.75 lakh cattle, whereas at present there are 686 registered gaushalas in the state, taking care of nearly 4 lakh stray cattle. Solar power plants have been installed in 330 gaushalas, and work to install them in the remaining gaushalas will be completed soon. In addition, electricity is being supplied to gaushalas at a subsidised rate of ₹2 per unit, and stamp duty on land registration for new gaushalas has been completely waived.
He also highlighted that arrangements have been strengthened for the health care of cattle. Veterinary doctors and mobile veterinary hospital services are now being made available to gaushalas. The government’s priority is to make the state free from stray cattle, for which cattle sanctuaries have been established and continuous efforts are being made to make gaushalas self-reliant.
The programme was attended by office-bearers of the Haryana Gau Seva Commission, public representatives, senior administrative officers, representatives of gaushalas, and a large number of cow devotees.