Pushkar Singh Dhami Defends Gau Seva, Highlights Gaushala Support in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday defended Gau Seva and said cow protection was linked not only to religious faith but also to the state’s rural economy.

Speaking in Haridwar, Dhami criticised opposition parties for what he described as their attitude towards cow worship and Hindu religious traditions.

His remarks included political allegations relating to the Ram Mandir dispute, which remain his characterisation of the opposition’s historical position.

Dhami Says Gau Mata Is Central to Rural Economy

Dhami said his government viewed Gau Mata as both a matter of faith and an important part of the rural economy.

He argued that cattle continue to support agricultural livelihoods and household incomes in many parts of Uttarakhand.

Dhami has made similar remarks previously, saying that cow protection is tied to livelihood, self-reliance and traditional agricultural life.

₹80 Daily Support for Destitute Cattle

Uttarakhand currently provides a maintenance grant of ₹80 per animal per day for destitute cattle kept through recognised cow-welfare arrangements.

Official government orders show the ₹80 daily maintenance rate under the state’s cow-service schemes.

Dhami has said the amount was increased substantially from the earlier ₹5 per animal per day.

State Supporting Construction of Gaushalas

The Chief Minister has also said that Uttarakhand provides a 60% subsidy for private individuals and organisations constructing cow shelters.

Around 54 Gau Sadans were under construction when Dhami outlined the policy in 2025.

The Animal Husbandry Department has also issued formal operating and maintenance guidelines for shelters housing destitute cattle.

Dhami Calls for Modernisation of Cow Shelters

In his latest Haridwar remarks, Dhami said the government was focusing on modernising Gaushalas and ensuring regular arrangements for fodder, feeding and animal care.

The state has developed standard procedures governing the construction and maintenance of such shelters, as well as arrangements with recognised animal-welfare organisations.

Opposition Criticism Over Gau Seva

Dhami alleged that some opposition leaders described Gau Seva as a sign of a “regressive mindset”.

He also accused political opponents of historically questioning matters connected with Lord Ram and creating obstacles during the Ram Mandir legal dispute.

Those statements are political claims made by the Chief Minister and should not be treated as neutral descriptions of the positions of all opposition parties.

Ram Mandir Dispute Went Through Supreme Court

The Ayodhya title dispute was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court of India in November 2019, paving the way for construction of the Ram Temple.

Multiple parties and lawyers represented competing claims during the long-running judicial proceedings.

Dhami’s reference to “high-profile lawyers” was part of his criticism of opposition involvement in that litigation.

Cow Welfare Linked to Govardhan Puja Message

Dhami has repeatedly connected cow welfare with cultural and environmental themes.

During Govardhan Puja on November 10, 2026, he said the festival represented gratitude towards nature, livestock and environmental conservation, while calling cow protection part of India’s cultural heritage.

Government Says Cow Shelters Support Rural Livelihoods

The Pushkar Singh Dhami Gau Seva policy position combines religious and cultural arguments with rural-development measures.

The state government says organised shelters, daily maintenance support and construction subsidies can improve cattle welfare while also supporting livestock-dependent communities.

Dhami Reiterates Commitment to Cow Protection

Dhami said the government would continue supporting Gaushalas through infrastructure improvements and daily care arrangements.

He presented cow protection as a long-term policy priority involving faith, agriculture, rural livelihoods and animal welfare.