The Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath has taken the decision to set up cow shelters in prisons across the state, reported India Today. The Yogi Adityanath government has allocated Rs 20 million for setting up cow shelters in 12 district jails across the state. Additionally, the government has decided to allocate Rs 81.6 crores to open gaushalas in 68 of the 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Yogi govt approves 12 cow shelters in prisons across Uttar Pradesh. #ITVideo
More videos: https://t.co/Nounxo6IKQ pic.twitter.com/rGwUhenptE— India Today (@IndiaToday) July 5, 2018
The proposal to set up cow shelters was mooted by the government in the month of February. The idea was to utilize the extra manpower available in the prisons. The district jails of Meerut, Gorakhpur, Sultanpur, Kanpur Dehat, Balrampur, Noida, Firozabad, Kannauj, Agra, Barabanki, Sitapur and Raebareli have been chosen to open shelters that will house abandoned and old cows.
The officials have been given orders to take actions to set up the cow shelters at respective districts. The cow shelters will be spread over an area of 17,000 sq.ft.
It is also seen by some as a part of the process to reform the inmates, by giving economic opportunity to the prisoners. He said the construction of cow shelters was going to start soon in various districts. The prisoners will be given the responsibility of taking care of the cattle from feeding, cleaning to milking in addition to their assigned work in the premises.
The Gau Sevak Commission had earlier demanded to operate cow shelters in Provincial Armed Constabulary grounds (PAC) but was rejected by the home department.
The Uttar Pradesh government has given high priority to animal protection. Yogi Adityanath who is also the head of Gorakhpur Math is known for his affinity towards bovine animals. He has personally been monitoring the initiative as it is one of the most important issues for both the state and central government.
