Chhattisgarh Launches ‘Gaudham Yojana’ to Boost Rural Economy and Employment

The Chhattisgarh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, is initiating the Gaudham Yojana to strengthen the rural economy and provide new direction to livestock conservation. This ambitious scheme aims to not only protect and improve the breeds of livestock but also generate new employment opportunities in villages through organic farming, fodder development, and gau-based industries. The Gaudham Yojana is designed to care for abandoned and wandering cattle while providing a steady income source for herders and gau-servants, fostering economic stability and self-reliance in rural life. The draft of the Gaudham Yojana has been approved by the Finance and Animal Husbandry Department. The objective of the scheme is to conserve and enhance bovine animals using scientific methods, promote gau-products, encourage fodder development programs, develop Gaudham as training centers, provide employment to villagers, and prevent loss of life and property from damage to crops and accidents. The scheme focuses on protecting animals seized in smuggling cases and stray animals. Each Gaudham will be able to accommodate a maximum of 200 bovine animals, according to its capacity. Under the Gaudham Yojana, herders will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹10,916 and gau-servants will receive ₹13,126 per month. Additionally, a fixed amount will be provided daily for the fodder of the animals. Excellent Gaudham will receive ₹10 per day per animal in the first year, ₹20 per day in the second year, ₹30 per day in the third year, and ₹35 per day in the fourth year. The budget, rules, and conditions for the scheme have been set to ensure smooth operation.