National seminar on cow protection begins

Tirupati, Dec 1 (UNI) Udupi Pejawar Math Head Sri Viswesh Theertha Swamiji today inaugurated 'Glory of Gomatha-Vande Gomataram,' a three-day national seminar on the protection of cows, at Mahati auditorium here.

The seminar would highlight the importance of cattle in the country's economy and explore ways and means for the qualitative and quantitative growth of livestock.

Speaking on the occasion, the Pontiff urged the Centre to declare cow as the 'National Animal' replacing tiger. Cow slaughter should be banned in the country.

In the keynote address, CARTMAN (Bangalore) President N S Ramaswamy said plan allocation should be increased from 0.3 per cent to three per cent to attain a target contribution of Rs 1.80 lakh crore per annum from livestock, forming seven per cent of the GNP.

Despite the ''magnificent'' contribution, the governmental allocation for the sector was less, he said, adding, ''the Animal Welfare Board spends a major share of annual budget of Rs ten crore on pets in urban areas.'' He urged the Centre to allocate Rs 5,000 crore for livestock care.

UNI