What is Cow Cess and which Indian States impose it?

 BY: Pankaj Bansal , Founder at NewsPatrolling.com

 

Cow Cess in India: An Overview

Cow cess is a levy imposed by some Indian states to generate funds for the welfare and protection of cows, including maintenance of cow shelters (gaushalas) and infrastructure for stray cattle. The cess is often applied on various goods, services, and property transactions. The revenues from this cess are directed towards cattle conservation efforts.

States Imposing Cow Cess

Several states have introduced cow cess or similar levies, with varying implementation strategies. Key states include:

1. Uttar Pradesh

• Cess Imposed On: Property transactions and certain goods.
• Rate: 0.5% surcharge on property transactions.
• Purpose: Funds for gaushalas and cattle protection.

2. Madhya Pradesh

• Cess Imposed On: Alcohol and other products.
• Rate: ₹1-2 per bottle of liquor.
• Purpose: Welfare of stray cows and maintenance of cow shelters.

3. Rajasthan

• Cess Imposed On: Stamp duty and liquor sales.
• Rate: 10% surcharge on stamp duty.
• Purpose: Management of stray cattle and funding cow shelters.

4. Punjab

• Cess Imposed On: Electricity bills.
• Rate: ₹2 per unit on commercial electricity.
• Purpose: Maintenance of gaushalas.

5. Haryana

• Cess Imposed On: Development charges and property.
• Rate: 2% surcharge on development fees.
• Purpose: Stray cattle management.

6. Chhattisgarh

• Cess Imposed On: Transactions and goods.
• Purpose: Protection and welfare of cattle.

7. Gujarat

• Cess Imposed On: Vehicle registration and properties in certain regions.
• Purpose: Animal welfare.

Purpose and Criticism

• Purpose: The funds are primarily used for:
• Establishing and maintaining gaushalas.
• Veterinary care and feeding of stray cattle.
• Rehabilitation of abandoned cows.
• Criticism: Some concerns include:
• Burden on consumers and businesses.

Issues in fund utilization and transparency.