Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Launches Gaudham Yojana in Bilaspur, Target to Establish 1,460 Gaudhams Across the State

The Chhattisgarh government has launched the “Gaudham Yojana” aimed at protecting stray and abandoned cattle and ensuring their proper care and safety across the state.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the scheme today at the Guru Ghasidas Central University Auditorium in Bilaspur district. During the event, 29 Gaudhams were inaugurated — one in Village Lakhasar of Takhatpur and the remaining 28 Gaudhams in 10 districts through virtual mode.

On the occasion, Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Gauseva Commission Shri Visheshar Patel, and several local public representatives were also present.

Under the Gaudham Yojana, the state government has set a target to establish 10 Gaudhams in each development block, which will result in a total of 1,460 Gaudhams across Chhattisgarh. These Gaudhams will provide essential facilities for cattle including sheds, fencing, drinking water and electricity.

Officials from the Livestock Development Department informed that the government has already granted administrative approval for 36 Gaudhams, out of which 29 Gaudhams have been registered with the Chhattisgarh State Gauseva Commission.

The primary objective of the scheme is to ensure the protection, management and welfare of stray, wandering and seized cattle. Government land or sites with basic livestock infrastructure will be registered through the Chhattisgarh State Gauseva Commission.

The Gaudhams will be operated by registered Gaushala committees, voluntary organizations, NGOs, trusts, Farmer Producer Companies and cooperative societies.

To support the operation of Gaudhams, the state government will provide financial assistance under various heads. For the nutritional feed of cattle, assistance will be provided at the rate of Rs 10 per animal per day in the first year, Rs 20 in the second year, Rs 30 in the third year and Rs 35 per day from the fourth year onwards.

Additionally, Rs 5 lakh per year has been provisioned for infrastructure construction and repair. Shepherds will receive an honorarium of Rs 10,916 per month, while “Gau-Sevaks” will receive Rs 13,126 per month.

To promote fodder development, an annual assistance of Rs 47,000 per acre will be provided, with a maximum assistance of Rs 2.35 lakh per year for up to five acres of land.

Each Gaudham will have arrangements to accommodate around 200 cattle. The scheme is expected to significantly reduce the issue of stray animals on roads and in villages, while also promoting cattle conservation in the state.

--