The Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA), established by the Modi government in 2019 to promote cow welfare, has remained without a chairman and members for over four years, leading to concerns about the effective utilization of its allocated funds.
Despite a budgetary allocation of ₹500 crore, the agency has been unable to implement its planned initiatives, including providing assistance to cow shelters and promoting cow-based products. An official from the Ministry of Animal Husbandry cited a “lack of government interest” as the reason for the prolonged vacancies and the underutilization of funds.
The commission was last headed by Vallabhbhai Kathiria, former Rajkot MP and chairperson of the Gujarat Gau Seva and Gauchar Vikas Board, who continued in the role until his term ended in February 2021. Since then, the agency has been without leadership, hindering its ability to execute its objectives effectively.
This situation raises questions about the government’s commitment to its flagship cow welfare initiatives and the efficient use of public funds.
