Uttar Pradesh to train 10,000 ‘Gau Mitras’ for cow protection

Lucknow ( Raghwendra Pratap Singh) : The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday (August 16, 2026) announced plans to train 10,000 ‘Gau Mitras’ for its cow protection drive, with the aim of sensitising the younger generation towards cow protection and developing a self-reliance model by linking it with the rural economy, natural farming, women’s empowerment, green energy and employment.

The Yogi government is now preparing to involve the new generation, particularly Gen Z, in its cow protection campaign across Uttar Pradesh. Through village-level campaigns, young people will be made aware of cow protection, cow service and its social and economic significance. Around 10,000 ‘Gau Mitras’ will be prepared for this purpose. Master trainers will first be trained, who will subsequently train others. Preference will be given to people who already have an interest in cow protection and cow service.

Alongside this, the Yogi government is working to develop a self-reliance model by linking cow protection with the rural economy, natural farming, women’s empowerment, green energy and employment,” reads an official statement.

Uttar Pradesh Go Seva Aayog Chairman Shyam Bihari Gupta said, “Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has included cow protection among the government’s priorities. The government’s effort is to ensure that cow protection does not remain limited to cow shelters, but also creates new opportunities for employment and rural prosperity. With this vision, cow shelters are being linked with economic activities based on cow dung and urine, natural farming, biogas and other enterprises.”

At present, a large-scale campaign is being undertaken in Uttar Pradesh for the protection and upkeep of stray and destitute cattle. More than 7,500 cow shelters have been developed across the State, housing over 1.2 million cattle. The State government has also increased the financial assistance provided for the upkeep of cattle. The daily amount provided per animal has been increased from ₹30 to ₹50. Surveillance through CCTV cameras has also been arranged at most cow shelters.