Massive Grant Irregularity Exposed: 38 Cow Shelters Ordered to Recover Rs 57.36 Crore After Audit Finds Payments for 1.31 Lakh Deceased Cattle

The Cattle Rearing Directorate will recover Rs 57.36 crore from 38 cow shelters. Among the major beneficiaries, Shri Braj Kamad Surabhi Van Research Institute, Jadkhor in Deeg, received Rs 16.36 crore, while Shri Gopal Govardhan Gaushala, Pathmeda in Jalore, was issued Rs 10.95 crore.

The irregularities were detected after discrepancies were found between daily cattle records and the Bharat Pashudhan application database. Grants were also allegedly withdrawn despite invalid or inactive identification tags and cases where cattle tags were not registered. Payments were made at the rate of Rs 40 per day for large cattle and Rs 20 per day for small cattle.

According to the audit findings, 38 cow shelters showed an inflated number of 1.31 lakh cattle in their applications to obtain higher grants. The names of Jaipur's Pinjrapole and Hingonia cow shelters have also appeared in the investigation.

The Pinjrapole cow shelter in Jaipur allegedly received an additional Rs 1.81 crore, while the Hingonia cow shelter allegedly collected Rs 1.41 crore in excess funds.

The recovery orders issued by the Cattle Rearing Directorate mark a significant administrative action following the audit revelations. The case highlights serious concerns regarding the verification process of cattle records and the monitoring of government assistance provided for cattle protection.