Budget:750 Crore for Cows, 500 Crore for Workers’ Pension

While presenting Narendra Modi government’s last budget of the tenure on Friday in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said “Gau mata ke samman mein yeh sarkar kabhi peeche nahi hategi, (This government will never shy away from protecting the mother cow).”

In this budget, the government has made it clear that cows are more important than those who are working in the unorganised sector, as it launched the ‘Rashriya Gokul Mission’. The government allotted Rs 750 crore for the welfare of the cows. On the other hand, in an attempt to appease the workers in the unorganised sector, a meagre amount of Rs 500 crore has been allocated for the pension for the workers.

Goyal said, “I announce setting up of "Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog" to upscale sustainable genetic up-gradation of cow resources and to enhance production and productivity of cows. The Aayog will also look after effective implementation of laws and welfare schemes for cows."

Akhil Bharatiya Gau Seva chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Ajit Mahapatra said that the plan will help in curbing farmers’ suicide and spread right kind of energy by promoting desi cows.

He added, “Half of India’s GDP comes from the sweat and toil of 42 crore workers in the unorganised sector working as street vendors, rickshaw pullers, construction workers… and in numerous other similar occupations. Domestic workers are also engaged in big numbers. We must provide them comprehensive social security coverage for their old age.”

According to the scheme, an unorganised sector worker joining the pension scheme at the age of 29 years will have to contribute only Rs 100 per month till the age of 60 years.

Akhil Bharatiya Gau Seva chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Ajit Mahapatra said that the plan will help in curbing farmers’ suicide and spread right kind of energy by promoting desi cows.With inputs from ANI