Establishment of Cow Shelters

Description
The scheme "Establishment of Cow Shelters" was introduced by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme aims to provide proper shelter and care to unprofitable, abandoned, or roaming cattle by supporting eligible organizations in establishing and maintaining cow shelters with financial assistance from the state government.

Exclusions
• <br>

Benefits
• Under the scheme, to provide proper shelter to unprofitable livestock abandoned by cattle rearers and roaming freely, the applicant organization will be eligible for a government grant of up to 90% of the total expenditure on non-recurring items, such as the construction of the main cowshed building, storage rooms, compound walls, drinking water systems, establishment of a plant for producing cow urine extract, biogas plants, and veterinary dispensaries. The maximum limit of the government grant is ₹25.00 lakh.
• <br>

Eligibility Criteria
1. For the establishment of cow shelters, applications will be accepted from the following non-governmental voluntary organizations registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860:
2. - A charitable institution registered for the welfare of cattle and other animals, a charitable institution formed for the welfare of cattle without any profit motive, or a public trust not registered under any law.
3. - Preference will be given to organizations with a minimum of 3 years of work experience and proven capacity.
4. - Preference will also be given to applicant institutions that own land or have taken land on lease for at least 30 years.
5. - For eligibility for the maintenance grant, the cowshed must shelter a minimum of 25 destitute, non-profitable bovine animals in hilly areas and a minimum of 50 in plain areas.
6. <br>

Required Documents
• Land ownership records in the name of the organization, verified by the Revenue Department.
• Registration under the Societies Registration Act or the Trust Act.
• Resolution or provision in the organization’s service rules to provide shelter to unprofitable cattle.
• Name, designation, address, and telephone number of the management executive of the organization.
• No objection certificate issued by the local Gram Sabha, Municipality, or other local body.
• Income-expenditure accounting report certified by a Chartered Accountant.
• Bank account details of the institution.
• A contract valid for at least 5 years on the prescribed form.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can apply under this scheme?
A: Non-governmental voluntary organizations registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, charitable institutions for cattle welfare, or public trusts not registered under any law can apply.
<br>

Q: Are there any preferences for organizations?
A: Yes. Preference is given to organizations with at least 3 years of experience, proven capacity, and those owning or leasing land for at least 30 years.
<br>

Q: What types of expenses are covered under the scheme
A: Non-recurring expenses such as construction of cowsheds, storage rooms, compound walls, drinking water systems, biogas plants, cow urine extract plants, and veterinary dispensaries are covered.
<br>

Q: What is the maximum financial assistance under the scheme?
A: The government provides a grant of up to 90% of the total expenditure, with a maximum limit of ₹25.00 lakh per institution.
<br>

Q: Is there a minimum number of animals required for eligibility?
A: Yes. For hilly areas, a minimum of 25 sheltered, destitute, non-profitable bovine animals is required, and for plain areas, a minimum of 50 animals is needed.
<br>

Q: Where should organizations submit their applications?
A: Applications must be submitted to the Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board office in Dehradun.
<br>

Q: Where can the application form be obtained?
A: The application form can be downloaded from [official website](https://ahd.uk.gov.in/files/Gau_Sadan_Recognition_A%20pplication_Form.pdf) or obtained from the Livestock Extension Officer/Animal Husbandry Department in the respective area.
<br>

Q: Is there a contract requirement?
A: Yes. Selected institutions must sign a contract valid for at least 5 years before receiving government financial assistance.
<br>