Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday approved free electricity for all gau shalas in the state, extending the benefit to 152 more institutions.With the decision, the number of gau shalas receiving free power from the state govt will increase from 366 to 518.Chairing a meeting, Mann said gau shalas play a crucial role in tackling the stray cattle problem and should not have to bear electricity costs.“All these gau shalas will receive free power from the Punjab government and not even a single penny will be charged for the electricity supplied to them,” he said.The chief minister said there was a need to modernise gau shalas for better management and to improve the care of cattle. He said proper management of these institutions would also help address the issue of stray animals on roads.Mann also appreciated the role of gau shala management committees, saying they were providing an important public service by sheltering stray cattle that could otherwise pose a risk to commuters.
