Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma highlighted the vital role of cows in Indian culture and their contribution to prosperity. Speaking at the Gau Mahakumbh, a global summit on cows held in Jaipur, he talked about traditional practices like offering the first roti to cows, worshipping bulls before planting crops, and performing marriage rituals during twilight — all signs of deep respect for cows.
CM Sharma emphasized, “Where cows are revered, there is prosperity and rich culture.” He added that events like Gau Mahakumbh promote cow protection and support for cowherds and farmers. He encouraged people to visit Gaushalas (cow shelters) on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries and to pledge helping and serving cows.
The Rajasthan government has taken big steps to support cows and farmers. They have allocated over Rs 2,791 crore for schemes that protect and promote cows. Registered Gaushalas now receive Rs 50 daily for each cow and Rs 25 for small calves. So far, 341 Gaushalas have improved their facilities, and 100 have received special machines for cow care at discounted rates.
Under the Nandishala Sahyogita Yojana, more than Rs 62 crore has been set aside to build infrastructure at the Panchayat level. The government aims to make Rajasthan a major dairy hub, not just an agricultural state. To help milk producers, they introduced a Rs 5 per litre subsidy on milk and fixed an average milk price of Rs 864 per kg fat content.
A significant Rs 500 crore has been allocated under the Chief Minister Milk Producer Incentive Scheme, with over Rs 468 crore already credited to farmers directly into their bank accounts. The government also increased the ‘Kisan Samman Nidhi’ benefit from Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 annually and offered loan facilities through the Gopal Credit Card. Over 33,000 milk producers now have a Rs 3 lakh insurance cover.
CM Sharma called on the people to serve cows and ensure no cow goes hungry or faces resource shortages in Gaushalas. During the event, he visited a cow-based exhibition, checked out local cow products, and saw indigenous breeds of cows and bulls. He also toured the Gokul Gram model village in Bichoon, Jaipur, built to showcase cow-friendly living.
Many leaders, cow promotion organizations, cowherds, and citizens attended the event, all united in protecting and nurturing cows — an essential part of Rajasthan’s culture and economy.
