As per assurance given by Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister in the State Planning Board and during meetings with MLAs, the State Level Monitoring and Sanctioning Committee (SLMSC) under the Chairmanship of Shri Ram Subhag Singh Secretary Animal Husbandry has decided to extend the Bhed Palak Samridi Yojna and to include “Churi” cattle in list of milch animals for getting benefits under the Doodh Ganga Yojna.
Shri Ram Subhag Singh informed that previously Bhed Palak Samridhi Yojna was being implemented only in the Districts of Mandi, Chamba and Kangra and now with this decision, the scheme has been extended to cover the Districts Kullu, Kinnaur and Shimla. He said that as a result more sheep breeders will now get benefits of this newly introduced popular Scheme.He further informed that Churi breed of cattle, which is a cross between Yak and indigenous Cow, is preferred as milch animals by the livestock owners of the Tribal areas because this breed is very well adapted to the climatic conditions of these areas. However, since this breed was not included in the list of milch animals under Doodh Ganga Yojna, the livestock owners of the tribal areas could not avail benefit under this scheme. He said that now with the decision of SLMSC to include “Churi” cattle in list of milch animals for getting benefits under Doodh Ganga Yojna, the farmers of the tribal areas will be able to start Dairy Units with Churi Cattle. This will not only raise the economic status of farmers but also go a long way in meeting the demand of milk in tribal areas, he added.
Besides, the SLMSC took some major decisions to make these two schemes friendlier towards beneficiaries. It was decided to organize camps to create awareness about these schemes at grass root levels. The SLMSC also decided to address the problems being faced by the farmers related to sanction of loan, payment of interest amount, repayment of loan amount etc. by taking up specific cases with the concerned Banks. The NABARD authorities have been directed to take up suitable steps for reducing high rate of premium being charged by the Insurance Companies under Bhed Palak Samridhi Yojna.
Sh. Ramsubhag Singh also informed that after launching of the new improved Doodh Ganga Scheme since September 2010, a total of 630 cases have been sanctioned with financial outlay of Rs. 12.26 crores and subsidy of Rs. 3.28 crores has been provided. Similarly, under “Bhed Palak Samridhi Yojna” 67 cases have been sanctioned with financial outlay of Rs. 66.00 lakh and subsidy of Rs. 22.19 lakh has been provided, he added.