Cow Economics

     Few years ago, ex-RBI governor made a statement on issue of rising intolerance in the society. Concerned, he related politics and social issues in a country to the fate of  its economy. The line of his argument was that a nation's economic growth can only be built on a stable platform provided by its polity and society. This linkage between society and economy can be seen unfolding in the state of Uttar Pradesh on issues related to cow since sometime now.

     The cow has been a tool for political mobilisation and polarisation in the Hindi heartland since the time of Arya Samaj. There were cow based riots as early as 1890s. The animal is venerated by Hindus (especially the upper castes) on one hand and is a source of cheap protein in diet for Muslims. Thus, it has turned from symbol of religious faith to a metaphor for diverging communal interests of Hindus and Muslims. Post independence, the constitution of India taking a "principled distance" approach (i.e. no total separation of state and religion as practiced in West) recognized the cow as symbol of Hindu faith and veneration. Thus it directed state to ensure well being of cattle.

     Due to this many state including UP have banned trade in cow for slaughter. There have been attacks on those transporting the cattle even for legitimate purpose other than slaughter. It has created a situation of fear and hysteria among cattle traders including those who trade in buffalo. This has led to economic disruption at various levels including farmers, traders, industry, exporters as well as common citizen.

     Farmers consider cow as a living bank which provides milk and compost. Moreover, it can be sold at a time of stress like drought, pest attack etc. At a time when government plans to diversify the agriculture sector, the ban will discourage farmers to opt for animal husbandry. There have been cases of farmers tying cow to schools, govt. buildings etc. as they destroy crop after being left stray when they surpass their milch age.

     Another victim of the ban has been the group of industries which use cow as a raw material like leather, pharmaceuticals, soap and detergent. The leather industry in Kanpur which account for 40% of India's leather export and provides employment in thousands have seen a considerable shortage of raw material and production. Meanwhile, the stray cattle roaming in cities have caused road accidents, attacked passerby and the animal itself survives on plastic wastes dumped at various crossroads.

     Facing public criticism for this emerging situation the state govt. has introduced a 0.5% excise cess, the money from which will go into creating cow shelter in all districts. The DMs of all districts have been ordered to ensure requisite land, labor etc for the shelter. The state govt. claims that all shelters will be made self-sustainable by selling products like milk, compost etc. However, it is a challenging proposition as the cattle have been left by their owners as they lost their economic value at the first place.

     The situation leaves us with few questions. Was there any spontaneous demonstration at any place in last 5 years where citizen have themselves rallied against the issue of cow slaughter? What was the need of this ban then? How do we promote animal husbandry and ban cattle trade at the same time? Are we okay with seeing our labor-intensive leather industry decline? Should a cess for protection of cow be the utmost priority for a state with highest infant and maternal mortality in the country?

     Our constitution makers were sensitive enough to include cattle welfare in the constitution yet limiting it to a moral and not a legal duty of state. The crackdown on illegal slaughter houses and cattle smugglers is appreciable, however scientific use of animal is possible without hurting public sentiments if the issue is not politicized. It can be seen that only the cattle of non milch age is used for slaughter.

     A leader should use his political capital to drive society towards progressive path, rather than reaping electoral dividends by encashing schism in society.