Maharashtra to set up Cow Progeny Protection Board: Devendra Fadnavis

MUMBAI: Stating that conservation of cow and its progeny was important as per science, constitution of India and religion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said his government will set up a cow progeny protection board.

"Don't look at prevention of cow slaughter just as beef ban. Cow is a live animal and has emotions. One can't see cow in an insensitive manner like just beef. Cow and its progeny is important in terms of milk, urine and cow dung. I don't look at prevention of cow slaughter from a religious point of view, but scientifically... which has got approval of the Constitution of India," Fadnavis said at an event organised to felicitate him on banning cow slaughter.

He said the state government will set up a cow progeny protection board and set up "goshalas" to take care of cows which stop producing milk besides old cows and its progeny.

The event which was attended by BJP leaders including city unit chief Ashish Shelar, witnessed a brief controversy when a woman reporter who was seated in the front row allocated for media personnel was asked to move behind.

"A Jain monk was to pass through the sitting area on his way to the stage so the followers requested the lady to move aside," one of the organisers said.

The journalist from a TV channel said , "this is not a religious programme. If women are not allowed, then the organisers should have told our offices not to send women reporters."

When he came to know about the incident, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during his speech said this was 21st century and men and women have to work together for a progressive society and to take the state on the path of development.

"Everyone has to do a rethink on prevailing customs and traditions which are against this idea," the CM stressed.