Gopal Ratna Award Scheme

Description
"Gopal Ratna Award Scheme" by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Govt. of Goa. This scheme was introduced in order to honour the eminent personalities in the field of Dairy Farming. This scheme intends to appreciate the achievement of Dairy Farmers for the highest individual milk production by undertaking scientific Dairy Farming in the State of Goa and encouraging youth to take up the Dairy Business. Objectives 1. To honour the eminent personalities in the field of Dairy Farming. 1. To felicitate and appreciate the dairy farmers for achieving the highest milk production by undertaking scientific Dairy Farming in the State. 1. To encourage the dairy farmers to undertake Dairy activities as a Business. 1. To make the State self-sufficient in milk production.

Exclusions
• No Award shall be presented posthumously under this scheme. However, if the death of the applicant occurs after the submission
• of the application and if he/she qualifies for the award then the award may be considered for posthumous presentation to his/her legal
• heir.

Benefits
• The selected dairy farmer shall be honoured with the “Gopal Ratna Award” constituting a Certificate of Appreciation, Memento and cash prize of ₹ 1,00,000/-.
• The award will be conferred upon the selected beneficiary on Independence Day i.e. 15th August at the hands of the Honourable Chief Minister of the State.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a dairy farmer.
2. The applicant should have given extraordinary contributions in the field of dairy farming by achieving the highest milk production in the State.
3. The applicant should be a member of the Dairy Co-operative Society/Bachat Gat/Self Help Group, registered with the concerned Department.
4. The applicant has to register his dairy farm with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services through the respective Area Officers of Veterinary Dispensary/Hospital.
5. The applicant should be a bonafide resident of Goa for at least the preceding five years, owning a cattle shed with milch animals in the State of Goa.
6. The applicant shall produce and pour a minimum of 1,00,000 litres of milk in the preceding year (April to March) with a minimum average of 250 litres of milk per day, to the Dairy Co-operative Society/Bachat Gat/Self Help Group.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should visit the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Govt. of Goa, Pashusamvardhan Bhavan, MG Roa, Patto, Panaji, Goa 403001.
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should visit the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Govt. of Goa, Pashusamvardhan Bhavan, MG Roa, Patto, Panaji, Goa 403001.

Step 2: Step 2: Take a print of the proforma of the application form, or request a hard copy from the Area Officer of the Department.
Offline
Step 2: Take a print of the proforma of the application form, or request a hard copy from the Area Officer of the Department.

Step 3: Step 3: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
Offline
Step 3: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).

Step 4: Step 4: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Area Officer of the Department.
Offline
Step 4: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Area Officer of the Department.

Required Documents
• Evidence of Membership from a registered Dairy Co-operative Society/ Bachat Gat/ Self Help Groups.
• Records showing details of the number of animals, stage of lactation of each animal, milk yield, date of calving, address of cattle shed etc.
• Residential Certificate.
• Proof of registration of dairy farm with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you provide more details about the Task Force Committee responsible for scrutinizing the applications for the "Gopal Ratna Award"?
A: The Task Force Committee is constituted by the Government to scrutinize the applications. It is responsible for evaluating the eligibility of applicants, visiting selected applicants and related Dairy Co-operative Societies/Bachat Gat/Self Help Groups for confirmation of records, and recommending the name of the awardee for approval by the Department.

Q: Is there a specific format for the application that dairy farmers need to follow when applying for the "Gopal Ratna Award"?
A: Yes, dairy farmers must use the prescribed format of the application when applying for the "Gopal Ratna Award." This format is provided by the concerned Area Officer of the Department.

Q: How does the scheme ensure that applicants meet the minimum milk production requirements?
A: Applicants must maintain and submit records showing details of the number of animals, stage of lactation of each animal, milk yield, date of calving, and address of the cattle shed, among other details. These records help confirm that applicants meet the minimum milk production requirements.

Q: Can dairy farmers who are not members of a Dairy Co-operative Society/Bachat Gat/Self Help Group still apply for the award?
A: No, as per the eligibility criteria, dairy farmers must be members of a registered Dairy Co-operative Society/Bachat Gat/Self Help Group to apply for the "Gopal Ratna Award."

Q: Is there any provision for late submissions of applications?
A: The scheme does not specify provisions for late submissions of applications. Therefore, it's important for dairy farmers to ensure they submit their applications within the stipulated timeframes.

Q: What are the benefits provided to the selected dairy farmer under the "Gopal Ratna Award Scheme"?
A: The selected dairy farmer will be honored with the "Gopal Ratna Award," which includes a Certificate of Appreciation, a memento, and a cash prize of [?] 1,00,000. The award ceremony will take place on Independence Day, 15th August, and will be presented by the Honourable Chief Minister of the State.

Q: Are there any exclusions or special conditions regarding posthumous awards under this scheme?
A: Yes, the scheme specifies that no award shall be presented posthumously. However, if an applicant passes away after submitting their application and if they meet the award criteria, the award may be considered for posthumous presentation to their legal heir.

Q: What documents are required to support an application for the "Gopal Ratna Award"?
A: An applicant needs to provide evidence of membership from a registered Dairy Co-operative Society/Bachat Gat/Self Help Group to support their application for the "Gopal Ratna Award."

Q: What role does the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services play in the "Gopal Ratna Award" scheme?
A: The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services is responsible for managing and overseeing the implementation of the scheme. They receive applications, verify content, and forward them to the Task Force Committee for scrutiny.