Assam government to provide funds to help gaushalas meet fodder expenses

GUWAHATI: The Assam cabinet has decided to provide funds to gaushalas (cow shelters) to help them meet fodder expenses.

"Gaushalas are run by trusts and the cost of running the same is met by donations. The donations fall short of meeting the expenses," Assam industries and commerce minister Chandra Mohan Patowary told ET. "The shortfall between donation and expenses will be provided by the government."

Jai Prakash Goenka, trustee of Shree Guwahati Gaushal, told ET, "This is a big move by the government... This will help in further improving the health of cattle."


Goenka said there are 15 to 20 cow shelters in Assam and the Guwahati Gaushala needs about Rs 45 lakh annually.

The council of ministers has also decided to give ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of Raben Das, the constable who died while apprehending cattle smugglers.

Das drowned during an operation to nab cow smugglers along the India-Bangladesh border at Mankachar Police Station area in South Salmara district.