With a view to ensure proper upkeep of Gaushalas and care of precious 'Gaudhan', the Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday handed over cheques of Rs. 5 lakh each (Total Rs. 23 crore) to 457 registered Gaushalas in the State besides announcing waiver of Rs. 19 crore towards power bills of these gaushalas. The Chief Minister also divulged that notification towards the same has already been issued.Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister urged to make judicious use of the financial assistance so as to ensure management of only those numbers of Gaudhan as could be properly managed.Reiterating that his doors are always open for the gaushalas, the Chief Minister emphasized that the gaushalas should always be kept clean. "There must not be any stray gaudhan on the roads which if any should be brought under the care of gaushalas", said Channi adding the move would lead to reduced number of accidents.
He also lauded the Punjab Gau Sewa Commission as well as the various gaushala management committees for devoting their life to serve the 'gaumata'.In his address, the PWD Minister Vijay Inder Singla said that gausewa is the ultimate form of worship and appreciated the various gaushala managements for efficiently taking care of and maintaining the gaudhan. He also advocated use of solar panels in the gaushalas for reducing the power bills.The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu said that only Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has shown concern for effectively managing the gaushalas and has immense respect for the 'gaudhan'.The Chairman, Punjab Gau Sewa Commission Sachin Sharma apprised that the commission has so far organized 150 'Gau Bhalai' camps to ensure proper health and hygiene for gaumata and is leaving no stone unturned to efficacious maintenance of gaushalas.Among others present on the occasion included Special Chief Secretary Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Ravneet Kaur and Special Principal Secretary to CM Ravi Bhagat.