Jaipur: The BJP government in Rajasthan has issued a new order banning the use of word “Aawara”(stray) referring to roaming cows , while terming it derogatory, The Free Press Journal reported.
The Gopalan Department of the state government in a notification directed all the concerned departments and district collectors to use more respectful word' destitute' in its stead.
The order issued by the government secretary of the department Dr. Samit Sharma said ‘Cows are an important part of our cultural heritage’, adding that ‘In today's time, due to various reasons, some cows become destitute.’
The order further said that ‘It is inappropriate and derogatory to use the word stray for these cows. This is contrary to our cultural values. 'Destitute' is the correct word for the cows that roam freely This terminology expresses sensitivity, respect, and compassion towards these cows’.
The government reportedly directed all Goushala and other institutions to use ‘destitute’ in all orders, guidelines, letters and reports.
Recently, BJP MLA for Sikar Gordhan Verma urged in a letter to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to give the status of state mother to the cow, while demanding death penalty for killing cows.