Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis digitally transferred a grant of ₹25.44 crore under the Desi Cow Conservation Scheme to 560 gaushalas (cow shelters) across the state. The funds, covering January, February and March, provide a daily grant of Rs50 per desi (indigenous) cow for their upkeep. In this first phase, the Maharashtra Goseva Commission facilitated the distribution, benefiting 56,569 cows in these shelters.
During the event, Fadnavis stressed the importance of conserving indigenous cows, stating that it would boost rural development. He also commended the Maharashtra Goseva Commission’s efforts in expanding the scheme to more gaushalas.
Since indigenous cows have lower milk productivity, their upkeep is often commercially unviable for cattle rearers. This makes gaushalas crucial for maintaining non-milking and unproductive cows. To support these gaushalas financially, the Maharashtra Goseva Commission introduced the Desi Cow Conservation Scheme, providing Rs50 per cow per day to registered shelters.
According to Commission chairman Shekhar Mundada, the scheme has been a major relief, benefiting 560 gaushalas so far.
