Chandigarh, Aug 9 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that the sacred programme of Gau Katha and Gau Mata Seva organised on the holy land of Samana in Patiala district of Punjab is a testimony to India’s great spiritual and Sanatan tradition.
Dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Hind Di Chadar, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ceremony “is a remarkable and unique confluence of faith, the tradition of service and our shared cultural heritage”.
Addressing the ceremony, CM Saini said before 2014, there were only 200 Gaushalas in Haryana, and their annual budget was merely Rs 2 crore. As a result of the efforts of the government, the number of Gaushalas in the state has now increased to 650, while their budget has been raised to a record Rs 600 crore. More than 4 lakh stray cattle are currently being cared for in these Gaushalas with complete devotion and respect.
He said to ensure that the cattle do not face any inconvenience, large sheds and solar power plants have been established in 350 Gaushalas. In addition, with the objective of promoting cow conservation, the one per cent stamp duty charged on registration of land for establishing new Gaushalas has been completely abolished.
The Chief Minister said the Haryana government has launched a comprehensive and extensive campaign to protect young people from the social evil of drug abuse. Strict action is being taken against drug peddlers. While the youth in Punjab is increasingly falling prey to drug abuse due to the neglect of the Punjab government, Haryana has established 2,000 sports nurseries to connect youth with sports grounds, where around 40 lakh young people practice every day. The result of this sports policy is that out of the total 39 medals won by India at the recent Commonwealth Games, including 13 gold medals, Haryana players alone won seven gold medals.
“It is a matter of pride that five of these seven gold medals were won by daughters of Haryana, bringing glory to the country and the state on the world stage,” he added.
–IANS
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