Gaudham Yojana in Chhattisgarh Aims for Livestock Protection and Rural Employment

Chhattisgarh’s government is launching the Gaudham Yojana, a significant initiative spearheaded by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, focused on reinforcing the rural economy and protecting livestock. The plan seeks to improve livestock breeds, provide care for stray animals, and create jobs in villages through the promotion of organic farming, fodder production, and industries based on cow products. This scheme aims to assist herders and gau-servants by providing them with a regular income. The Department of Finance and Animal Husbandry has already approved the draft of the Gaudham Yojana. The main aims of the Gaudham Yojana include the protection and promotion of bovine animals using scientific methods, encouraging gau-product development, and fostering fodder programs. This scheme will also develop Gaudham as training centers, provide employment, and prevent loss of life and property due to crop damage and accidents. Special consideration has been given to safeguard animals seized during smuggling operations and stray animals. Each Gaudham will have a capacity to house up to 200 bovine animals. Herders will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹10,916, and gau-servants will be paid ₹13,126 per month. Moreover, a daily allowance will be provided for animal fodder. Outstanding Gaudham facilities will receive financial assistance of ₹10 per animal per day in the first year, which will increase to ₹35 by the fourth year. The required budget, rules, and conditions for the scheme have been finalized to ensure it runs smoothly.