Cabinet okays setting up of cow commission
New Delhi, Feb 6: The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved setting up of a commission to frame policy for protection and development of cows and help boost income of small farmers.
The announcement in this regard was made in the interim Budget for 2019-20.
The Cabinet has approved the proposal for establishment of 'Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog' for conservation, protection and development of cows and their progeny, Union Law & IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters after the Cabinet meet.
The setting up of this commission will "lead to conservation, protection and development of cattle population in the country including development and conservation of indigenous breeds."
It will result in increased growth of livestock sector which is more inclusive, benefitting women, and small and marginal farmers.
"The Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog will work in collaboration with Veterinary, Animal Sciences or Agriculture University or departments or organizations of the Central/State government engaged in the task of research in the field of breeding and rearing of cow, organic manure, biogas etc," an official statement said.
The creation of this commission will provide the policy framework and direction to the cow conservation and development programmes in the country and for ensuring proper implementation of laws with respect to the welfare of cows.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also approved the introduction of National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2019.
The objective of the bill is to confer the status of institutions of national importance to National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) at Kundli, Haryana, and the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
The proposed law would provide for functional autonomy to the institutes to design and develop courses, undertake research activities and leverage enhanced status in their academic pursuits.
The institutes would implement the reservation policy of the government and would also undertake special outreach activities for the benefits of concerned stakeholders. It would enable the institutes to provide world class teaching and research experience by adopting innovative practices.
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Death toll climbs to 16 in van-SUV collision in MP's Dhar
Dhar (MP) (PTI): The death toll in the collision between a pick-up van and an SUV in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district has risen to 16, officials said on Thursday.
The van carrying labourers overturned and collided with a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) coming from the opposite direction near Chikliya crossing on the Indore-Ahmedabad National Highway on Wednesday night, they said.
Twelve fatalities were initially reported after the incident. Four more persons later succumbed to their injuries, taking the toll to 16, officials said.
"A very tragic incident occurred in Dhar. I was informed that 46 persons (mostly labourers) were travelling in a pickup vehicle. It overturned and caused an accident. We have received information about the deaths of 15 people. This is very unfortunate," Indore Divisional Commissioner Dr Sudam P Khade told reporters.
Later, one more person succumbed to his injuries, Dhar district hospital's civil surgeon Dr Mukund Burman said.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav have issued instructions to ensure all arrangements are made, and treatment is provided to the injured persons, and that no one is left without care, Khade said.
The divisional commissioner and Inspector General Anurag were monitoring relief operations at the incident spot.
"Seven injured persons have been referred for treatment to Indore. Fifteen people are undergoing treatment here. The patients here are currently stable, but if they need to be referred (elsewhere), everything will be done," Khade said.
"In Indore also, we have deployed a team of doctors and are making all arrangements so that there is no delay or problem in treatment," he added.
The incident occurred between 8.30 and 9 pm on Wednesday. The labourers were returning home in the van from Baggad in Dhar district when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chikliya crossing.
The Tirla police have registered a case and are investigating the accident.
PM Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the incident. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of the deceased, and the injured would receive Rs 50,000.
CM Yadav said instructions have been given to provide Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh each to the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.
Dhar district in-charge minister Kailash Vijaywargiya said instructions have been given to the local administration to ensure that the injured receive proper treatment.
Leader of Opposition, Umang Singhar, a native of Dhar district, also expressed grief over the accident.
