Himachal Pradesh House expresses concern over neglected Cow Shelter maintenance during Question Hour

In the Vidhan Sabha session, concerns about the poor condition of cow shelters across the state sparked intense debates between ruling party members and the Opposition. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized that the status of cows, akin to that of a mother, shouldn't be confined to mere paperwork. He pledged efforts to enhance facilities at cow shelters, ensuring they're not built in places where providing adequate care is challenging.

Debates and promises in the Assembly

Opposition members expressed dissatisfaction with Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar's response to questions raised by MLA Bhubaneswar Gaur. Tensions escalated, leading to heated exchanges until Speaker Kuldeep Pathania intervened, assuring removal of contentious remarks from the session's records.

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CM Sukhu stressed the need for tangible improvements in cow shelter conditions, highlighting his government's commitment to the cause.

State of Cow Shelters and Government initiatives

Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar acknowledged the proliferation of cow shelters but admitted a decline in their conditions. Currently, the state hosts 261 cow shelters, with government grants allocated to 198 of them. Of these, 13 are managed by the animal husbandry department, while the remaining 185 operate with grants from non-government organizations (NGOs). Additionally, 63 shelters function independently without any governmental support.

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The minister's remarks underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to uplift the state of cow shelters and ensure the well-being of the animals housed within them. The exchange in the assembly reflects a shared concern among lawmakers regarding the treatment and care of cows, highlighting the significance of addressing the issue promptly.