Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab Govt waives electricity bills for all Gau Shalas, extends free power benefit to 518
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 5, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday approved the waiver of electricity bills for all Gau Shalas across the state, extending the benefit of free power to an additional 152 Gau Shalas.
With the latest decision, the total number of Gau Shalas receiving free electricity from the Punjab Government will increase from 366 to 518.
Chairing a meeting here, the Chief Minister said Gau Shalas play an important role in addressing the issue of stray cattle and ensuring their proper care and management.
“At present, 366 Gau Shalas are receiving free electricity. Now, 152 more Gau Shalas will be brought under this facility. All these Gau Shalas will receive free power from the Punjab Government, and not even a single penny will be charged for the electricity supplied to them,” Mann said.
Emphasising the need to strengthen Gau Shalas, the Chief Minister said proper management was essential to ensure the effective care of cattle and address the problem of stray animals on roads.
He appreciated the efforts of Gau Shala management committees, stating that they were providing an important service by caring for cattle that might otherwise roam on roads and pose risks to public safety.
Mann said the state government was committed to supporting Gau Shalas and addressing the concerns of all sections of society. He also stressed the need to modernise Gau Shalas to improve their management and strengthen efforts to tackle the stray cattle issue.
“The Punjab Government will extend every possible support and cooperation to strengthen Gau Shalas and ensure the proper care and management of cattle,” he said.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, the Secretary of Power and the Secretary of Animal Husbandry were also present at the meeting.