FILE photo: Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today announced a slew of measures for cow protection in the state.
He announced to effect necessary amendments to the Punjab
Religious Premises Eviction Act to free 'gauchar land' (pastoral land) from illegal occupation.
This decision was taken by Mr Badal during a meeting with the delegation of Gau Sewa Mission led by former president of the Gau Sewa Board, Bhagat Kimti Lal, here this evening, an official release said.
It has been decided not to charge any VAT on building material used by registered 'gaushalas' (cow shed) for the construction purposes.
Besides, all the gaushalas would be provided with free electricity, the release said.
The Chief Minister also asked the various Gaushalas Management committees to promote cow breeding of indigenous breeds such as Ongole, Rathi, Sahiwal, Tharparkar and Vachur.
The release said that Punjab Government has already enacted Punjab Prohibition of Slaughter of cows Amendment Act, in which the punishment has been raised to 10 years of imprisonment or Rs 10,000/ penalty or both.