In 1st meet, cow panel seeks to end stray cattle menace

  1. ‘Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog’ (National Commission for Cows) has recently held its first meeting. The Aayog particularly discussed measures to tackle the menace of stray cows in India. Of late, problems of stray cattle has become a political issue in a few states, primarily in Uttar Pradesh, with farmers’ standing crop being threatened with severe damage.
  2. The Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog has been recently set up. The announcement in this regard was made in the interim Budget for 2019-20. It is the apex body for conservation, protection and development of cows and their progeny.
  3. The Aayog is an 11 member body. It is headed by Vallabh Bhai Kathiria. He is an ex-chairman of Gauseva and Gauchar Vikas Board of Gujarat.
  4. The key objectives of the Aayog are a) conservation, protection and development of cattle population including that of indigenous breeds, b)increased inclusive growth of livestock sector which would  benefit women, and small and marginal farmers, c) implementation of laws with respect to prohibition of slaughter, d) schemes to encourage use of organic manure, e) recommend suitable measures including incentive schemes for urine and cow dung in organic manure and f) collaborate with research projects on Indian system of medicine using biogenic products of cows.