Himachal govt starts buying cow dung at Rs 3/kg under gobar scheme, silences BJP

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Mandi (Munish Sood)

The Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government has given the opposition a fitting response, quite literally using “cow dung” as a political tool to silence critics.
The state’s flagship ‘Gobar Samriddhi Scheme, one of the 10 pre-election guarantees of the Congress, has not only fulfilled its promise but also forced the BJP into a corner. While the BJP had earlier mocked the scheme, the government’s swift implementation and its direct benefits to farmers have left little room for criticism.
The scheme, under which the government purchases cow dung at Rs 3 per kg, is already creating a buzz in the state’s rural areas. The initiative has provided financial relief to farmers and cattle rearers.
In its first phase, the government has credited Rs 1 lakh directly to the bank accounts of 100 beneficiaries, showcasing its commitment to welfare and sustainability.

BJP had called it a ‘populist gimmick’

Before the elections, the BJP had targeted the Congress, ridiculing its promise to buy cow dung as an impractical idea.
BJP leaders had labelled it a “populist gimmick” aimed at misleading voters. However, with the Congress government delivering on this promise, the tables have turned. Farmers from Jogindernagar are already praising the initiative.
Laxman Das, a farmer from Seri village, said, “The BJP laughed at this scheme, but today, I’ve earned Rs 1,200 from selling cow dung to the government. For farmers like me, this money makes a huge difference.”
Another farmer, Bhag Chand, added, “They called it a joke, but this scheme is providing us income and natural fertilizer for our fields. Who’s laughing now?”

Economic benefits, environmental impact

The scheme’s design not only ensures economic benefits for farmers but also promotes sustainable farming. The purchased cow dung is used to prepare organic and vermicompost fertilizers, reducing dependency on chemical alternatives. This dual approach benefits both the farmers’ pockets and the environment.
Sanjeev Kumar, another beneficiary from Seri village, remarked, “This initiative has proven that promises can be turned into action. The BJP’s criticism has been effectively neutralised. This is not just about cow dung; it’s about changing lives.”

Congress counters BJP’s criticism

Congress leaders have seized the opportunity to highlight the scheme as evidence of their pro-farmer agenda.
“The BJP mocked this promise, but we have shown that even cow dung can become a source of income for our people. This is what happens when you think creatively and act decisively,” said a Congress spokesperson.
The BJP, meanwhile, has struggled to mount a credible counter-argument. Critics within the party have acknowledged that the scheme has found unexpected success. “We underestimated the impact this would have on farmers,” admitted a BJP leader anonymously.
Sonam Kumari, Subject Matter Specialist (Agriculture), highlighted the scheme’s broader vision: “The government is not just buying cow dung, it’s creating a model for sustainable rural development. This initiative helps farmers, promotes organic farming, and addresses soil health.”
Jogindernagar SDM Manish Chaudhary said, “The Gobar Samriddhi Scheme is one of the most innovative initiatives in recent years. It has transformed what was once considered waste into a valuable resource.”

From mockery to model: Political game-changer

The Congress government’s successful rollout of the Gobar Samriddhi Scheme has not only uplifted rural livelihoods but also delivered a political masterstroke. By turning cow dung into an asset, it has silenced opposition criticism and demonstrated its ability to deliver on promises.
In the words of a farmer, “If cow dung can shut the mouths of critics and fill the pockets of farmers, then this is the best guarantee anyone could have asked for.”

MUNISH SOOD

MUNISH SOOD

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