To conserve cows, the BJP Government in Madhya Pradesh led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is mulling to impose ‘cow cess’ on the public to raise funds for this cause.

For development and conservation of cows in the state, we are planning to impose a cow cess in the state, CM Chouhan said during a review meeting on Friday ahead of Gau cabinet’s first meeting scheduled at Salariya in Agar Malwa on Sunday.

Reaffirming commitment to cow conservation, Shivraj government days ago has formed a cow cabinet. Prior to this, the BJP government in the run up to 2018 assembly polls had announced formation of a cow ministry in the state.

As part of our plan, rearing of cows and milk and other by-products will be promoted, said Chouhan in the review meeting. Besides, desi breed of cows will be promoted.

Besides, products like Gau kastha (wooden sticks made of cowdung) will be promoted as an alternate to wood.

In addition to the five ministers who are part of the gau cabinet, the first meeting of the cabinet will be accompanied by a symposium to be attended by 14 cow experts who will be forwarding their suggestions to the state government.

According to the MP government figures, 627 cowsheds are being run in the state presently which house 1.66 cows. Besides, there are 8.5 lakh stray cows in the state whose upkeep is our collective responsibility, said CM Chouhan.

“Those who slashed cow fodder budget, planned golf course on land meant for cows and retracted after announcing cow ministry, are now talking about cow protection and development,” MPCC chief Kamal Nath’s media co-ordinator Narendra Saluja said.