Bhubaneswar: To promote animal welfare, Gokulananda Mallick, Odisha’s Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, distributed financial assistance to registered goshalas in the state on Friday. The event was held at the Swaminathan Hall, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), where Mallick emphasized the importance of safeguarding the health and security of animals and birds, highlighting their integral role in society.
Minister Mallick stressed that humans share a deep bond with animals, underscoring the responsibility to care for them. He also pointed out that the Odisha government is keenly focused on the welfare of cattle, with initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Pranikalyan Yojana aimed at supporting the maintenance and care of cattle resources in the state.
In the first phase of financial aid for the financial year 2024-25, the Odisha government has allocated a sum of Rs 8.96 crore to 66 registered goshalas across the state. These goshalas are currently sheltering and caring for nearly 20,000 destitute cattle. Additionally, thirteen animal welfare organizations have been awarded work orders to rehabilitate approximately 1,300 stray and destitute cattle. These organizations will receive about Rs 5 crore in assistance once they are operational.
Financial support ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 52 lakh will also be provided to establish new goshalas, which will be tasked with sheltering 50 to 150 destitute cattle.
Minister Mallick also announced the distribution of go-ahead letters for the establishment of 47 vermicompost units across the state. These units will receive assistance totaling Rs 2.15 crore and are expected to produce about 3,000 tons of vermicompost annually, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in the state.
The Minister reiterated that the Mukhyamantri Pranikalyan Yojana is a testament to the Odisha government’s commitment to creating a compassionate and inclusive society. He called on others to actively participate in animal welfare efforts, ensuring a collective responsibility for the well-being of animals.
Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, and Ramashis Hazra, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, were also present at the event, along with representatives from various animal welfare organizations and senior government officials.
This initiative marks another important stride in Odisha’s ongoing efforts to protect and care for its animal population, ensuring the welfare of cattle and other animals throughout the state.