Yogi Government’s Plan To Integrate ‘Cow Studies’ Into School Curriculum
The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is planning to launch a controversial project to promote cattle rearing, safeguarding cows, and integrating them into the state’s economy and cultural framework. However, this initiative raises concerns regarding the prioritization of resources, the scientific validity of its proposals, and the larger implications for governance.
According to a report by The Print, the state dairy development department has proposed measures such as introducing cow-related education in schools and purchasing cow urine at Rs 5 per litre for so-called ‘medical research.’ The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University and Cattle Research Institute (DUVASU) has been tasked with developing a syllabus which once finalized will be forwarded to the education department for inclusion in school curricula.
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The UP government’s data claims that over 12.43 lakh destitute cows are housed across 7,713 centers, with 543 large cow conservation centers planned, of which 372 are reportedly functional. Though these measures were taken the effectiveness of these shelters are questionable as the reports of proper management and lack of care still surfaces. When these unresolved issues persist, the government has decided to increase the maintenance allowance per cow from Rs 30 to Rs 50 per day.
State cabinet minister for dairy development, Dharampal Singh, elaborating on the initiative, stated that incorporating cow studies into education, research, medicine, and agriculture would help students understand their economic significance. He emphasized that early exposure to the subject would foster a deeper appreciation for cattle’s productivity.
Beyond education, the government is also pushing research on cow dung and urine, particularly that of indigenous (‘desi’) cows. Singh asserted that the new generation should be made aware of the ‘benefits’ of gau mutra (cow urine). However, it has to be noted that there are no significant scientific studies that the supports the medicinal values of the urine. The gau mutra will be purchased from a Gujarat based firm who had shown their interest in being part of the project.
Singh also announced the expansion of the Mukhyamantri Sahbhagita Yojana, under which 1.05 lakh beneficiaries have taken responsibility for 1.62 lakh cows, each receiving Rs 1,500 per month. Additionally, the government has decided to establish more cattle shelters for stray animals.
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Earlier the opposition in the state had raised the issue in the Assembly and public meetings as well. In the run-up to the 2022 UP Assembly polls, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav posted several stray cattle videos on his ‘X‘ account. The severity of the issue was too high such that the National Highway Authority (NHAI) in December launched a pilot project to set up cattle shelters along National Highways. “NHAI has been facing challenges posed by stray cattle/animal movement on National Highway in several states across the country which is hazardous to road users’ safety,” it said.
