Overview

• Following draft approval by the finance and livestock development departments, district administrations have begun inviting applications from registered gaushalas, NGOs, trusts, farmer producer companies and cooperative societies to manage Gaudhams
• Each Gaudham will be set up on state-owned land with secure fencing, cattle sheds, adequate water and electricity supply, capacity for up to 200 cattle and adjoining pastureland for green fodder cultivation
• The scheme guarantees monthly honorariums of Rs 10,916 for charwahas and Rs 13,126 for sevaks, a fixed daily fodder allowance and escalating per-animal payments from Rs 10 per head in year one to Rs 35 in year four
• In the initial phase, Gaudhams will be located along major national highways, with district-level committees screening proposals before final approval by the Chhattisgarh State Cow Service Commission
• Designed to succeed the underfunded Gauthan Yojana, Gaudham Yojana aims to improve cattle breeds, foster organic farming and cow-based industries, and serve as training centres to strengthen village economies