Haryana CM Nayab Saini marks birthday with major push for cow welfare
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 25, 2026: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday marked his birthday by taking another significant step towards his government’s commitment to cow welfare and protection, distributing over Rs 1.22 crore as fodder subsidy to 14 Gaushalas in the district.
At a programme held at Mata Mansa Devi Gaudham, the Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 20 lakh for the strengthening and renovation of the road leading to the ancient Shiva temple at Saketari Hill.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister, accompanied by his wife Smt. Suman Saini, performed Gau Pujan (cow worship) and served fodder and jaggery to cows at the Gaudham, seeking blessings on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, CM Saini said the cow has held a revered place in Indian tradition since ancient times and reaffirmed his government’s resolve to support Gaushalas, cow conservation and natural farming. He said that over the last 11 years, registered Gaushalas in Haryana have received Rs 270 crore as fodder grants.
Highlighting the government’s increased focus on cow welfare, the Chief Minister said the budget of the Haryana Gau Seva Ayog has risen sharply from Rs 2 crore in 2014–15 to Rs 595 crore in the current financial year. He noted that the number of registered Gaushalas in the state has increased from 215 in 2014 to 686 at present, providing shelter to nearly four lakh Gauvansh.
CM Saini further said that solar power plants have been installed in 330 Gaushalas, with work underway to cover the remaining shelters. Electricity is being supplied to Gaushalas at a subsidised rate of Rs 2 per unit, while new Gaushalas have been exempted from stamp duty on land registration.
Addressing healthcare concerns, the Chief Minister said the government has ensured regular veterinary services for Gaushalas. Veterinary doctors are now deputed weekly to large shelters, while VLDAs serve smaller Gaushalas, along with mobile veterinary services.
He also said that freeing the state from stray cattle remains a priority, with cow sanctuaries established in Panipat and Hisar districts, where around 5,000 Gauvansh have already been rehabilitated.
The Chief Minister emphasised efforts to conserve and promote indigenous cow breeds, citing incentives under the National Gokul Mission for cattle rearers and initiatives to make Gaushalas self-reliant through the production of Panchagavya-based products. He also highlighted the Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act, 2015, which provides for strict punishment for cow slaughter.
Several ministers, MLAs, senior officials, Gaushala representatives and cow devotees were present on the occasion.