In Rajasthan, adopt stay cows, get awarded

The Rajasthan government has decided to award those who would adopt stray cows in the state, on Independence Day and Republic Day.

Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on Monday said: "Our government is trying to connect with people on issues about which the previous (BJP) government tried to divide the society."

The state Directorate of Gopalan on December 28 issued an order to all district collectors, saying: "Those charitable and sensitive citizens adopting stray cows will be felicitated at the state level by the district collector on Independence/Republic Day."

The district collectors have been asked to motivate public, charitable people, officials and social workers to adopt stray cows.

"Anyone interested to adopt cows can deposit a certain amount as fixed by 'gaushalas'. Also, they can visit the cow shelters any time to see the animals. Further, if someone wants to keep a stray cow at his home, he can adopt it," it says.

Under the previous BJP government, Rajasthan became the first state in the country to have a 'Cow Minister' -- Otaram Dewasi.

In the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government, Pramod Bhaya is the new Cow Minister.

--IANS

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