Primary schools to introduce lessons on cows: Rajasthan Minister

In an initiative to introduce students to the importance of cows. The Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar has announced plans to include information about cows in primary schools’ curricula.

"We will talk to scholars and experts and, if possible, will try to add information on cows in primary school books," says Madan Dilawar.

In addition, the minister also highlighted efforts to screen educational films on cows to enhance students’ understanding.

The plans come after a directive from the Animal Husbandry Department released in July. The directives advised officials to use the term “destitute” rather than “Stray” when referring to cows.

In July, the Dairy Minister, Joraram Kumawat, announced a significant change in terminology for stray cows during a debate in the Rajasthan Assembly. The term 'stray' will no longer be used; instead, 'nirashrit' (destitute) will be employed to describe these animals. Further, Kumawat focused that  the state government is committed  to improving the economic self-reliance of cattle rearers. He stated, "The state government is committed to making cattle rearers economically self-reliant by developing valuable animal wealth and increasing livestock production." He also highlighted the government's efforts in protecting and promoting cows and bulls.

Similarly Dr Samit Sharma, the secretary of the department, recently stated  “Cows are an important part of our cultural heritage. In today’s time, due to various reasons, some cows become destitute. It is inappropriate and derogatory to use the word stray for these cows. This is contrary to our cultural values.”

And now incorporating lessons on cows in primary section has raised discussions, as political tensions rise ahead of the by-elections. Many are debating motivations behind this initiative. The by-elections are scheduled on November 17.2024.

Madan Dilawar is currently serving as a Cabinet Minister for School Education & Panchayati Raj Department in the Government of Rajasthan. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and represents the Ramganj Mandi constituency in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.