Yogi Adityanath performs Govardhan Puja in Gorakhpur, highlights cow welfare
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister stated that over 7,700 gaushalas in the state currently house more than 16 lakh destitute cattle.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed Govardhan Puja rituals at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur on Monday. According to reports from Hindustan Times and ANI, the Chief Minister applied tilak to cattle, adorned them with garlands, and fed them bananas and jaggery at the temple cowshed.
During the ceremony, Adityanath noted that the state has established more than 7,700 cow shelters to accommodate over 16 lakh destitute animals. He described the cow as the soul of India's agricultural and sage-led traditions, stating that protecting them leads to prosperity.
The Chief Minister detailed three government schemes designed for cow protection. The first involves state-run shelters for destitute cattle, while the second, the Sahbhagita scheme, allows farmers to care for up to four cows from these shelters in exchange for a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 per cow.
A third scheme provides lactating cows from shelters to undernourished families, accompanied by a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 for upkeep. Adityanath said these initiatives aim to prevent cattle from roaming streets or damaging crops by ensuring they are kept in safe environments.
Following the rituals, the Chief Minister held a 'Janata Darshan' at the temple premises. He heard the grievances of 125 people and instructed officials to provide prompt and impartial resolutions to their problems, including requests for medical financial assistance.