The Karnataka government issued an order on Wednesday, November 16, permitting the deduction of one day’s salary of government employees to fund its Punyakoti Dattu Yojana, which aims to ensure the welfare of cattle raised in gaushalas. It is anticipated that this one-time donation will generate about Rs 100 crore. Although the contributions were initially described as being voluntary, the order instructs employees who do not wish to contribute to submit a written request to salary disbursing authorities of concerned departments by November 25.
Group-D employees are not required to participate in the programme, however, group-A employees must pay a contribution of Rs 11,000. The sum is Rs 4,000 for group-B employees, and Rs. 400 for group-C employees. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services will receive the cash raised in this manner. The order stated that the stipulated amounts will be deducted from the November salary.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had requested support from government workers for the Punyakoti Dattu Yojana earlier this year. The president of the Karnataka State Government Employees' Association, CS Shadakshari, then suggested in September that one day's salary be given in support of gaushala maintenance.
Punyakoti Dattu Yojana (Cow adoption scheme) was launched by the state government in July 2022, to encourage citizens to adopt cattle. Currently, there are 215 government-built cow shelters in Karnataka Under this scheme, people can adopt a cow for Rs 11,000 for a period of one year.