UP govt to train 10,000 ‘cow protectors’, sparking fears of state-backed Hindutva vigilantism
New Delhi
: The BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government, headed by Yogi Adityanath, has announced plans to train 10,000 ‘gau rakshaks’ (cow protectors) as part of a campaign to promote cow protection.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the UP government claims the initiative aims to educate the younger generation about cow protection and link it with the rural economy, natural farming, women’s empowerment, green energy and employment as part of a self-reliance model.
The Hindu reported that a government statement said the Yogi government was preparing to involve the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, in its campaign across Uttar Pradesh. Through a village-level initiative, young people will be sensitized to cow protection, cow service and their purported social and economic significance.
Under the initiative, around 10,000 “gau mitras” (cow friends) will be trained. Master trainers will first receive training and subsequently train others, with preference reportedly given to people already involved or interested in cow protection and cow service.
UP Gau Seva Commission Chairman Shyam Bihari Gupta told The Hindu that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had made cow protection a government priority. He said the government wanted to expand cow protection beyond gaushalas (cow shelters) and create new opportunities for employment and rural prosperity.
Gupta said the initiative would place particular emphasis on involving children and young people in cow protection. The government plans to establish a village-level network of trained individuals, with master trainers leading the programme and participants receiving training in cow protection and related activities.
The move has raised concerns given the history of so-called cow vigilantes in India, who have been responsible for killing, assaulting and intimidating Muslims in the name of cow protection. Critics warn that formally training and mobilizing such groups could legitimize vigilante activity and risk providing them with greater state backing.
