'Gau Mata' significant part of Indian culture: Modi

Days after the Union government approved a proposal to set up a Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday made a spirited pitch for protection and preservation of “Gau Mata,” saying that the cow has been “a significant part” of Indian culture and tradition.

Addressing an event organised by a non-government organisation, Akshaya Patra Foundation, to mark the serving of "3rd billionth meal" to school children in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, the prime minister said that a fund of Rs 500 crore has been earmarked to Aayog to ensure better care of the cows as well as “effective implementation” of the related laws and rules.

“Everybody is indebted to Gau Mata, at least in India. Cow is a significant part of our culture and tradition,” Modi said.

He said that his government had earlier started a Rashtriya Gokul Mission keeping with the “feelings of this country” to make “this livestock” healthy and better.

“To expand it further, we have decided to set up Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog. A fund of Rs 500 crore has been earmarked to the Aayog to ensure better care of Gau Mata and Gau Vansh as well as effective implementation of the related rules and regulations,” he added.

Noting that the cow is also “a significant part” of rural economy, Modi said that doors of the banks have been opened to help the cattle bearers.

“It has been ensured that the cattle breeders get loan up to Rs 3 lakh from the banks as farmers get it through Kissan Credit Card,” he said.

This will expand the dairy industry in the country and ease the lives of cattle breeders, he said.

Modi also served food to 20 school children from underprivileged background at Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir campus, marking the serving of "3rd billionth meal" by the Akshaya Patra Foundation.