Chandigarh :
A delegation of social activists today submitted a memorandum to Member of Parliament Manish Tewari, urging the Centre to declare the cow as the country’s “Rashtramata” (National Mother) and implement a comprehensive national policy for cattle protection.
The memorandum, addressed to the President, Prime Minister and the Punjab Chief Minister, stated that the cow holds a special place in Indian culture, agriculture, rural life and the faith of millions of people. It urged the Central Government to initiate the necessary constitutional and legal process to grant the cow the status of “Rashtramata.”
The delegation also demanded a nationwide policy for cattle protection, removal of illegal encroachments from grazing land, strict action against illegal slaughterhouses and cattle smuggling, and greater transparency in the utilisation of the cow welfare cess. It further sought the establishment and strengthening of modern cow shelters in every district and a national campaign for the rehabilitation and treatment of stray cattle.
The memorandum called on both the Central and state governments to launch public awareness campaigns on cattle conservation and formulate an effective policy through consultations with all stakeholders.
MP Manish Tewari assured the delegation that he would raise the demands put forward by Shri Hindu Takht seriously in Parliament.
