'Boon for our farmers': Maharashtra accords 'Rajya Maata' status to cows ahead of polls

The Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the decision on Monday, September 30. (File photo: PTI)

In a move apparently aimed at shoring up Hindu votes in the upcoming high-stakes electoral battle, the ruling 'Mahayuti' government of the BJP, Shiv Sena and the NCP on Monday said it has given 'rajya maata' status to cows in the state.

Announcing the decision, the government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, cited the cultural significance of the cow and the revered status of the bovine among Hindus across India.

"Indigenous cows are a boon for our farmers. So, we have decided to grant this (‘Rajya Mata’) status to them. We have also decided to extend help for the rearing of indigenous cows at goshalas (cow shelters)," said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Shinde on Monday and a government resolution and an administrative order in this regard was issued eventually.

As per the GR, the recognition comes with a financial support scheme for farmers through a subsidy programme to assist in the care and feeding of indigenous cows. The scheme will help ease the economic burden on farmers and motivate them to invest in the health and maintenance of their livestock, the government said, adding that the initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the revival of indigenous cattle and promote organic farming practices across the state.

As per the GR, Maharashtra is home to several indigenous breeds: ‘Deoni’ and ‘Lal Kandhari’ in the Marathwada region, ‘Khillar’ in western Maharashtra, ‘Dangi’ in northern Maharashtra, and ‘Gawli’ in Vidarbha. However, their population has seen a sharp decline due to the growing preference for crossbred cows, which offer higher milk yields.

This, the resolution read, has raised concerns about the future of indigenous cattle, whose population is vital for maintaining traditional farming methods and ayurvedic practices.

The decision comes just months ahead of elections in Maharashtra which are expected to be held in October-November this year. The term of the Maharashtra Assembly ends on November 26.

The ruling NDA faces a litmus test as it heads into polls in the state. This will be the first real test for the ruling Mahayuti as well as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) after the split in the NCP and the Shiv Sena that led to the fall of the erstwhile government led by then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.