Part -V Extra Legislative & Parliamentary Affairs Department

Extra No. 11 © The Gujarat Government Gazette EXTRAORDINARY PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY Vol. LXVII ] FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026 / PHALGUNA 22, 1947 Separate paging is given to this part in order that it may be filed as a Separate Compilation.

PART V Bills introduced in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly The Following Bill which was introduced on the 13th March, 2026 by Shri Amit Chavda, M.L.A. is published under rule 127-A of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly Rules for general information.

THE GUJARAT RAJMATA (GAUMATA STATUS, PROTECTION AND WELFARE) BILL, 2025.

GUJARAT BILL NO. 11 OF 2026.

A BILL to provide for the special status, protection and welfare of cows in the State of Gujarat and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.

It is hereby enacted in the Seventy-seventh year of the Republic of India as follows: -

1. (1) This Act may be called the Gujarat Rajmata (Gaumata Status, Protection and Welfare) Short title, extent, Act, 2026. commencement.

(2) It shall extend to the whole of the State of Gujarat.

(3) It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

V- Ex.-11 11-111-2 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 13-03-2026 [ PART V Definitions. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires -

(a) "District" means a district as defined under the Gujarat Land Revenue Code, 1879.

(b) "Official Gazette" means the state Government Official Gazette.

(c) "Gaumata" means cow and its progeny, including bull, bullock and calf.

(d) "Gopalak" means a person who owns, keeps, maintains or has custody of Gaumata.

(e) "Government" means the Government of the state of Gujarat.

(f) "Rules" means the Rules made by the State Government under the provisions of the Act.

(g) "Special Officer" means the officer appointed by the state Government under the section 4 of the act for carrying out the purpose of this act.

(h) "State" means the State of Gujarat.

Special 3. The State shall accord a special symbolic status to Gaumata, and for the purposes of this Act, Gaumata Status. shall be reverentially referred to as ‘Rajmata’.

Special 4. The State Government shall appoint one or more Special Officers, not below the rank of Deputy Officers.

Collector, and such supporting staff as may be necessary for each district in the state for carrying out the purpose of this act.

Functions 5. (1) The special officer shall ensure the protection and welfare of Gaumatas in the district. and duties of Special (2) The special officer shall have power to enter any premises at reasonable hours, after recording officer.

reasons in writing, for inspection, subject to such safeguards as may be prescribed for inspection of the food being given to the Gaumatas.

(3) The special officers shall ensure that sufficient state space, a healthy atmosphere, medical treatment and water are provided to the Gaumatas.

(4) The special officer shall ensure that old, sick and unuseful Gaumatas are not sold out for slaughtering purposes.

(5) The special officer shall ensure enforcement of existing laws relating to prohibition of slaughter, sale and transport of beef.

(6) It shall be duty of the special officer to lodge a complaint if it is found that any provision of this Act has been violated.

Power to 6. The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the make rules. purposes of this Act.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS In India, cows have been assigned respectful status. Cows have been considered and worshipped as Mata, Gaumata has religious and cultural importance looking to its usefulness to mankind, agriculture and weather controlling. However, the Living condition of Gaumata is pitiable.

Dairy foods and Kachra-kuda have become its food. Gaumatas are wandering in the streets in search of food. They are mostly found on roads disturbing the traffic and public at large. In this circumstances, it is necessary to make law for betterment of Gaumatas and assign respectful status as per the religious beliefs.

Hence this Bill.

Dated 26th March, 2025 AMIT CHAVDA, Gandhinagar. M.L.A.PART V ] GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 13-03-2026 11-3 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

Section 4 of the Bill empowers the state Government to appoint special Officers and staff for each District. For this purpose, a recurring expenditure of approximately Rs.100 crore per annum, subject to budgetary provisions to be from the consolidate fund of the State.

Dated 26th March, 2025 AMIT CHAVDA, Gandhinagar. M.L.A.

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATON This bill involves delegation of legislative powers in the following respect, namely:-

Section 4 of the Bill empowers the State Government for appointment of special officers and staff for each district.

Section 7 of the Bill empowers the State Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Act.

The delegation of legislative power as aforesaid is necessary and is of a normal character.

Dated 26th March, 2025 AMIT CHAVDA, Gandhinagar. M.L.A.

CHETAN PANDYA, Dated the 13th March, 2026 Secretary, Gandhinagar. Gujarat Legislative Assembly. ---------- Government Central Press, Gandhinagar.