Dead cows listed for grants: Rajasthan govt audit flags Rs 57 crore fraud
An audit has exposed alleged irregularities worth over Rs 57 crore in Rajasthan’s cow protection scheme, revealing that government grants were allegedly claimed for cows
An audit has exposed alleged irregularities worth over Rs 57 crore in Rajasthan’s cow protection scheme, revealing that government grants were allegedly claimed for cows that had died or were not housed in gaushalas during the period for which funds were released. The audit revealed that several gaushalas claimed fodder and water subsidies by showing inflated cattle numbers, raising questions over the verification process that allowed the funds to be released. Read Full Story According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), 38 gaushalas across Rajasthan allegedly showed around 1.31 lakh more cattle in their applications than their actual numbers, resulting in the release of additional grants worth Rs 57.36 crore.
The audit found discrepancies between daily cattle records maintained by gaushalas and data available on the Bharat Pashudhan App. Despite these mismatches, grants continued to be sanctioned without adequate verification. The irregularities also involved payments made for invalid, inactive or cattle without registered tags. Under the scheme, gaushalas receive Rs 40 per day for adult cattle and Rs 20 per day for calves. The report noted that in several cases, grants were drawn in the names of cows that had already died or were not housed in the concerned shelters during the period for which funds were claimed. JAIPUR GAUSHALAS AMONG CULPRITS The CAG report mentions several prominent gaushalas, including those in Jaipur. Pinjrapole Gaushala allegedly received excess grants of around Rs 1.81 crore, while Hingonia Gaushala was reportedly issued additional funds of nearly Rs 1.41 crore.
The largest alleged discrepancy was reported from Shri Braj Kamad Surabhi Van Research Institute Gaushala in Deeg district, which was allegedly granted around Rs 16.36 crore in excess funds. Despite being the only relevant gaushala in the district, it emerged as the biggest case highlighted in the audit. Similarly, Shri Gopal Govardhan Gaushala, Pathmeda, in Jalore district was allegedly issued excess grants of Rs 10.95 crore. The report also names three gaushalas from Bharatpur and six from Sikar. EXCESS FUNDS YET TO BE RECOVERED Following the audit findings, the Gopalan Department ordered the recovery of Rs 57.36 crore from the 38 gaushalas. The Directorate of Gopalan issued notices to the concerned shelters on May 29, 2026, directing them to deposit the alleged excess amount within the prescribed period.
The BriefWire