RaipurChief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today launched the state government's ambitious Gaudham Yojana (Cow Shelter Scheme) at a program held at Guru Ghasidas Central University in Bilaspur. In the first phase of the scheme, 29 Gaudhams have become operational in 11 districts of the state. On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai also laid the foundation stone for the state's first cow sanctuary in Jogipur village of Kota development block in Bilaspur district. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the proposed cow sanctuary in Jogipur will be developed on an area of ​​approximately 184 acres. The state government has approved ₹1.32 crore for its development in the first phase. Upon completion, it will be able to provide shelter and care for approximately 2,500 cattle simultaneously. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the cow is an important pillar of Indian culture, faith, and the rural economy. Through the Gaudham Yojana, shelter will be provided to destitute and nomadic cattle and livestock conservation will be promoted. He stated that the state government is working with full commitment to promote cattle protection and cow service. The Chief Minister stated that an MoU has been signed with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to encourage animal husbandry and milk production in the state. Under this initiative, cow distribution has also been initiated in several districts, which is yielding positive results in increasing milk production in the state. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that cow shelters will ensure fodder, water, and proper care for the cattle. This will also create local employment opportunities. He also announced that all cow shelters established on government land in the state will now be known as Surabhi Cow Shelters. He added that training programs related to animal husbandry, green fodder production, and the production of useful products from cow dung will also be conducted in these cow shelters. This will provide self-employment opportunities to local people and strengthen the rural economy. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that this scheme is also likely to reduce road accidents, as stray cattle will be provided safe shelter. Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu said that the launch of the Gaudham Yojana is a sacred occasion. He said that cow service is an integral part of Indian culture and tradition and cow protection will also strengthen the rural economy. Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam said that today is a historic day for Chhattisgarh, when the Gaudham Yojana is being launched simultaneously in the entire state. He said that 10 cow shelters each would be established in all the development blocks of the state in a phased manner, which would not only protect the cows but would also provide self-employment opportunities to the people. Chairman of Chhattisgarh Gau Seva Aayog, Visheshwar Patel said that mother cow is very important for our existence and the state government is working with a well-planned action plan for the protection of cows. MLA Shri Amar Agrawal, Shri Dharamlal Kaushik, Shri Dharamjeet Singh, Shri Sushant Shukla, Mayor Smt. Pooja Vidhani, Commissioner Bilaspur Shri Sunil Jain, IG Shri Ramgopal Garg, Collector Shri Sanjay Agrawal, SSP Shri Rajnesh Singh, were present in the program.Director of Veterinary Medicine Shri Chandrakant Verma along with a large number of cowherds and dignitaries were present.