Establishment of Cow Shelters is a state-led scheme under the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Uttarakhand, that gives financial support to non-governmental organizations for building and running shelters for abandoned or unproductive cattle. Under this scheme, eligible organizations can get a grant of up to ₹25.00 lakh for infrastructure work, which helps them manage bovine care in their communities.
This scheme supports animal welfare by covering most of the one-time construction cost of a cowshed. The department keeps inviting recognized NGOs to run gausadans, and fresh Expression of Interest notices were published in 2026, which shows the scheme is still open for new applicants.
Establishment of Cow Shelters - Introduction
Establishment of Cow Shelters helps organizations provide a safe place for unprofitable, abandoned, or roaming cattle. The scheme, run by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Uttarakhand, encourages voluntary organizations to serve the community by building dedicated spaces for livestock care. By taking part in this scheme, an organization can get financial help to create long-term shelters that protect at-risk animals and improve local animal husbandry standards.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Establishment of Cow Shelters |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Infra |
| Beneficiary states | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment, Transport & Infrastructure |
| Target beneficiaries | Government organisations, registered societies, NGO |
| Benefit type | Cash |
| DBT scheme | No |
| Nodal department | Department of Animal Husbandry |
| Tags | Cow Shelter, Livestock, Gausadan, Construction of Cowshed |
Benefits
When an organization takes part in Establishment of Cow Shelters, it can receive a government grant to support its infrastructure goals. This grant covers up to 90% of the total expenditure for one-time construction items. The maximum financial help available is ₹25.00 lakh per institution.
The grant is meant for building the main shelter and the supporting facilities needed to run it well.
| Infrastructure Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Main Cowshed Building | Shelter for cattle |
| Storage Rooms | Fodder and supply storage |
| Compound Walls | Safety and perimeter |
| Drinking Water Systems | Animal hydration |
| Biogas Plants | Energy management |
| Cow Urine Extract Plant | Processing facility |
| Veterinary Dispensary | Medical care onsite |
Eligibility
An organization can apply for this scheme if it is a non-governmental voluntary organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This includes charitable institutions working for animal welfare, public trusts, or organizations running without any profit motive.
- The organization should have at least 3 years of work experience in the field.
- The organization should own the land or hold a valid lease for at least 30 years.
- For maintenance grants, the shelter must hold at least 25 destitute bovine animals in hilly areas or 50 animals in plain areas.
Application Process
To begin, an organization should collect the application form from the local Livestock Extension Officer or the Animal Husbandry Department. The completed application should be submitted to the Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board office located in Dehradun.
Once the organization is selected, it must sign a mandatory 5-year contract to make sure the welfare of the cattle continues before the financial grant is released.
Documents
Applicants need to keep the following papers ready while applying.
- Land ownership records verified by the Revenue Department.
- Registration certificate under the Societies Registration Act or Trust Act.
- A formal resolution or provision in the service rules about cattle shelter.
- Personal details (name, designation, address, and contact number) of the management executive.
- No objection certificate (NOC) from the local Gram Sabha or Municipality.
- Income-expenditure report certified by a Chartered Accountant.
- Official bank account details of the institution.
- A signed agreement valid for at least 5 years.
How the Scheme is Running in 2026
The Department of Animal Husbandry, Uttarakhand, continues to invite recognized NGOs to run gausadans built by local bodies. In July 2026, the department invited Expressions of Interest from recognized NGOs to run gausadans set up by the local bodies of Almora district. In August 2026, another invitation was published to run the Nagar Nigam Roorkee gausadan. These notices show that the scheme is active and new organizations can still come forward to run shelters.
Interested organizations should watch the official department website for the latest Expression of Interest notices and apply before the closing date mentioned in each notice.
References
Official Department of Animal Husbandry, Uttarakhand Website
Expression of Interest Notices for Gausadan
EOI to run Gausadans - Almora District (July 2026)
EOI to run Nagar Nigam Roorkee Gausadan (August 2026)
FAQ's
Who can apply under this scheme?
Any non-governmental voluntary organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, as well as charitable trusts focused on animal welfare, can apply for Establishment of Cow Shelters.
Are there any preferences for organizations?
Yes, the committee gives top priority to applicants with at least 3 years of relevant experience and those who own or have leased land for a minimum of 30 years.
What types of expenses are covered under this scheme?
The grant covers one-time expenses such as building cowsheds, erecting compound walls, setting up biogas plants, installing drinking water systems, and establishing veterinary dispensaries.
What is the maximum financial assistance provided?
The government covers up to 90% of the total project costs, capped at a maximum limit of ₹25.00 lakh.
Is there a minimum number of animals required for eligibility?
Yes, the shelter must maintain at least 25 destitute animals if it is in a hilly region or 50 animals if it is in a plain area.
Where should the application be submitted?
The files should be submitted to the Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board office in Dehradun.
Is the scheme still running in 2026?
Yes, the Department of Animal Husbandry published fresh Expression of Interest notices in July and August 2026 to run gausadans in Almora and Roorkee, so the scheme is still active.
Is there a contract requirement?
Yes, the organization must sign a binding contract for at least 5 years to make sure the shelter is maintained properly.