Chandigarh, Oct 30
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday said cow devotees must lead a public awareness campaign for the protection of cows as serving them "is everyone's moral responsibility".
Extending greetings on Gopashtami, he said this sacred day of the Indian Sanatan tradition connects people with culture, brotherhood, and compassion.
The government has now allocated Rs 600 crore for cow protection and promotion. He said in 2014, there were 215 registered gaushalas in the state, housing 1.75 lakh cattle, while today there are 686 gaushalas with over four lakh cattle.
He said strict laws have been enacted to ensure the safety of cows. "There is a provision for 10 years of imprisonment for cow slaughter and seven years for cow smuggling," he added.