Team News Riveting
Raipur, July 5
The Chhattisgarh government on Wednesday disbursed Rs 18.47 crore to the Godhan Nyay Yojana beneficiaries.
At a function, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel transferred the amount in the bank accounts of beneficiaries through virtual mode. The Godhan Nyay Yojana is a flagship scheme of the Bhupesh Baghel government launched in July, 2020, with the goals of promoting organic farming, generating new employment possibilities in both rural and urban areas, promoting cow rearing and cow protection, and providing financial benefits to cattle producers.
Under the scheme, the Gauthans (livestock-sheds) have been set up that has emerged as a centre for livelihood of villagers. It has become the focus of boosting the rural economy with a number of activities including procuring cow-dung, cow-urine and adding value to it by manufacturing cow-dung paints, vermicompost, fertilizers etc.
The government spokesperson said of the amount, Rs 5.05 crore were given in lieu of purchase of 2.52 lakh quintals of cow dung from cattle rearers, villagers, farmers and landless people in Gauthans from June 15 to June 30. Dividend amount of Rs 7.79 crore distributed to Gauthan committees and Rs 5.53 crore to women groups
Including the amount distributed today to the beneficiaries of Godhan Nyaya Yojana, Rs 507.14 crore has been paid so far. Of the amount, Rs 247.12 crore has been paid to cow dung vendors, the spokesperson said, adding that Rs 244.95 crore has been paid to Gauthan committees and self-help groups so far.
Cow dung is being procured in Chhattisgarh from July 20, 2020, under the Godhan Nyaya Yojana at Rs 2 per kg. Till June 30, 2023, 123.56 lakh quintal cow dung has been procured in Gauthans in the state.
Women’s groups have so far earned Rs 158.42 crore from income-oriented activities. There are 17,486 women self-help groups directly linked to Gauthans in the state, whose membership is 2,05,817. Electricity and natural paint and other materials are also being produced from purchased cow dung in Gauthans. Apart from this, production of vegetables and mushrooms, poultry, goat, fish farming and animal husbandry, as well as various income-generating activities are being conducted by women groups in Gothans.
