Maharashtra planning 'commission' to protect cows in state?

A commission to protect cows and its progeny is in the works in Maharashtra. Nearly three years after it pushed ahead with a ban on beef, the state is drawing up a plan to ensure proper implementation of its law against cow slaughter.

The 'Gau Seva Aayog' or cow commission is part of this new initiative that will protect the cattle seized by Maharashtra police and initiate legal actions against those accused in such cases. The Aayog will be tasked with conducting research on cow breeding.

Mahadev Jankar, Minister of animal husbandry told TOI that the protection of cattle and ensuring an increase in milk production will be some of the commission’s aims. He added, "The proposal about its formation will be tabled before the state cabinet next week."


Working from Pune the 'Gau seva Aayog', will study schemes that could lead to biogas projects through cow dung and urine, the reports of the research will be submitted to the government. It is also expected to coordinate with universities carrying out programmes on cattle and fodder development.

The cow commission will come under the department of animal husbandry. However, no specific budget has been defined as of yet for the commission.

A proposal to set up the Maharashtra Gau Seva Aayog will be tabled before the state cabinet in the coming weeks. The Opposition headed by Congress party has alleged that the BJP of playing politics in the name of cow. The BJP-led state government in Maharashtra banned cow slaughter across the state in 2015 which attracts Rs 10,000 fine and a five-year jail term.