Karnal,
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said the state government would set up “gaushalas” in all prisons of the state.

He laid the foundation stone of the first “gaushala” in the jail of the state in Karnal. It will be constructed for Rs2.67 crores and spread over three acres.

The Police Housing Corporation will construct the building, which will house 300 cows.

“Stray animals will be provided shelters and prisoners will be able to earn ‘punya’ (moral deed) by giving their services in ‘gaushalas’,” the CM said.

He highlighted the importance of the cow and said there was a need to take steps for the conservation and growth of cows.

Jail Minister Krishan Lal Panwar said the government had formulated a policy for setting up “gaushalas” in the state.

Under the policy, the government will provide Rs5 lakh to gram panchayats which would set up “gaushalas” over one acre having a capacity to shelter 100 cows.