Uttarakhand Gau Palan Yojana (Cow Rearing Scheme)
A ₹60,000 animal unit with 90% subsidy for SC/ST and 60% for general-category farmers, now covering cows and buffaloes.
Run by: Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Uttarakhand
- Unit cost
- ₹60,000 (was ₹40,000)
- SC/ST subsidy
- 90% — ₹54,000
- General subsidy
- 60% — ₹36,000
- Planned beneficiaries
- 2,128 farmers, about ₹978.12 lakh
Overview
Gau Palan Yojana helps rural families in Uttarakhand start livestock rearing as a source of income. Until recently it was open only to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families. On 7 August 2026 the State Cabinet widened it to the general category as well (ETV Bharat).
The same decision raised the unit cost from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000. SC/ST beneficiaries get a 90% subsidy — ₹54,000 — and pay ₹6,000 themselves. General-category beneficiaries get a 60% subsidy — ₹36,000 — and pay ₹24,000. The scheme now covers buffaloes as well as cows.
The state expects 2,128 farmers to benefit, at a cost of about ₹978.12 lakh to the government. The stated aims are to promote rural entrepreneurship, raise farm income, encourage self-employment and improve soil fertility through animal manure. The announcement also links the scheme to the problem of migration from hill villages.
The cabinet decision did not publish the application form or the detailed eligibility rules for the general-category window. Those usually come in the department's guidelines and orders, so check with your district office before you apply.
What you get
The benefit as the state notifies it — nothing here is an estimate.
- SC/ST: 90% subsidy, ₹54,000 on a ₹60,000 unit — you pay ₹6,000.
- General category: 60% subsidy, ₹36,000 on a ₹60,000 unit — you pay ₹24,000.
- Covers both cows and buffaloes.
- Extra income from milk plus manure that improves soil fertility.
Who is eligible
State schemes usually state their criteria as prose rather than a checklist. This is that prose, unpacked — the department’s verification is what decides.
You qualify if
- Resident of Uttarakhand rearing or wanting to rear livestock for income
- Open to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and — since the August 2026 decision — general-category families
- Final eligibility conditions, such as land or shed requirements, come in the department's guidelines
Documents you need
Have these ready before you start — most rejections are a missing paper, not a missing right.
- Aadhaar card
- Permanent residence certificate of Uttarakhand
- Caste certificate (SC/ST applicants, for the 90% rate)
- Bank passbook
How to apply
Fewer steps than a central scheme, and usually one office rather than a portal.
- 1
Ask your district Animal Husbandry office
Meet the District Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and ask whether the general-category window is open and what the application form is.
- 2
Collect your papers
Keep Aadhaar, residence certificate, caste certificate (if SC/ST) and bank details ready.
- 3
Apply as the department directs
Submit the form at the veterinary office or on the portal the department tells you about. The cabinet note did not name a portal.
- 4
Buy the animal and pay your share
After approval, pay your 10% (SC/ST) or 40% (general) share. Buy only as the department's order allows, and keep the bill.
If something goes wrong
Missing from the list, or payment stuck — here is the channel the department itself publishes for it.
- First, the District Chief Veterinary Officer. The Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Dehradun can be reached on 0135-2532809.
- For escalation, use Uttarakhand CM Helpline 1905: cmhelpline.uk.gov.in.
Frequently asked questions
What changed in August 2026?
The cabinet opened Gau Palan Yojana to the general category (earlier SC/ST only), raised the unit cost from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 and added buffaloes.
How much will I pay?
SC/ST: ₹6,000 (10% of ₹60,000). General category: ₹24,000 (40% of ₹60,000).
Can I get a buffalo instead of a cow?
Yes. The expanded scheme covers cows and buffaloes.
How many farmers will be covered?
About 2,128 farmers are planned, at an expected cost of ₹978.12 lakh.
Is there a limit on how many animals I get?
The cabinet report does not state one. Ask the district Animal Husbandry office for the per-beneficiary limit.
Where do I apply?
The report did not name an application portal. Start at your district Chief Veterinary Officer's office or ahd.uk.gov.in.
Why is the subsidy higher for SC/ST families?
The scheme was first made for SC/ST families, who get 90% support; the general category, added in 2026, gets 60%.
Facts checked against ahd.uk.gov.in on 4 October 2026. editorial policy.