Coronavirus dries up moo-lah at Gaushalas
Gaushalas across Gujarat struggle to keep cows alive as donations dry up following coronavirus; trustees say state govt not giving enough support during tough times; against average cost of Rs 140 per day for each cow, the state govt aid of Rs 25 falls short drastically Gujarat was the first state in India to implement strict cow protection laws but everyone seems to have forgotten about the holy cow during the global pandemic. While people have stopped donating money, gaushalas are finding it tough to feed cows. Even those that receive help from the government say the Rs 25 aid per cow every day is just not enough for their needs.
On an average, a gaushala needs Rs 140 per cow on a daily basis. In such tough times, the state government aid of Rs 25 per day falls drastically short, say gaushala managers.
Parag Tejura, President of Saurashtra Vyapar Udhyog Mandal, who is associated with several gaushalas, said, “Cow is considered auspicious in Sanatana dharma. People feel privileged if they are able to do gau seva. Unfortunately, following coronavirus, Hindus have forgotten about cows. Even the government no longer cares. After much follow up by gaushalas, the government agreed to pay Rs 25 per cattle per day for the month of April. So, far they have received only 30% of the pledged amount. Officials say the state government is facing shortage of funds.”
Rajkot-based Shreeji Gaushala, which takes care of 1,440 cattle, incurs daily cost of Rs 142 per cattle. Its trustee Prabhudas Tanna said, “During regular days we sell manure, cow urine and cow dung. But the activity has completely stopped due to the pandemic. Most of the gaushala expense of Rs 45 lakh per month is met from donations which have stopped since last week of March. We have incurred a debt of Rs 70 lakh in 50 days. We appealed to people on social media for donation and received Rs 19 lakh. The amount will help only to an extent.”
Vipul Narola, trustee of Gau Ganga Gauseva Trust that takes care of sick and deserted cows, said they are facing a grim situation. “We have 180 cows at present and all have major or minor medical condition. We incur cost of Rs 4 lakh per month but following the pandemic have received only Rs 50,000 donation. State government has promised to help but we are yet to receive any financial aid,” Narola said.
What govt says?
Dr Vallabh Kathiriya, Chairman of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog under the central government, said he has requested Gujarat government to extend financial assistance to gaushalas from one month to three months. “I am confident that the gaushala will soon be paid the full assistance at rate of Rs 25 per day per cattle,” he told Mirror.
‘Govt aid is insufficient’
Ramesh Kshatriya, Manager at Ahmedabad Panjrapol Sanstha near Rancharda, said, “We have 6,200 cattle heads including cows, buffaloes and bullocks. We get donation of Rs 4 lakh per month during normal times. It has stopped. Our monthly expense is Rs 90 lakh against which we got government aid of Rs 51 lakh for April. We are managing it somehow.”
Sandip Shah, Managing Trustee of Vrundavan Gir Gaushala on Ahmedabad-Kheda highway, said they have 88 cows at present. “The government paid us Rs 26,600 for April for the upkeep of cows. But it is only 20% of our requirement. Since donations have dried up, we are managing the expenditure from reserve fund.” fodder and am paying from my personal income. The prices of fodder have also gone up by two times.”
In Kutch, donation from visitors stops
Shri Suparshva Jain Sevamandal – managed Kalapurn Suri Karunadham in Bhuj is struggling with funds as donors, mostly from Mumbai, have not been able to travel due to the pandemic Karunadham’s president Kaushal Mehta said, “We have 1,050 cows. Most of our funds come from those who visit us during Maharaj Saheb’s religious discourses which have been discontinued at present. A big chunk of donation comes from Mumbai-based Jains. They are unable to visit at present. Local farmers have been providing green fodder on appeal. The government is providing Rs 25 per cattle per day aid.”
Appealing for help
Shri Jivdaya Mandal, Bhachau, is a unique panjrapol where not only cattle but other wounded or disabled animals are also given shelter. Its trustee Bharat Mehta said, “We provide shelter to each and every animal, be it a snake or a cow. We have about 1,800 cattle at present. Our donations have reduced by 90 per cent. We are appealing to people by phone to extended helping hand.”
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