Uttar Pradesh Government Grants Tax-Free Status to Cow Protection Film 'Godaan'
The Uttar Pradesh government has officially declared the film 'Godaan' tax-free across the state, a move designed to amplify its message on cow conservation and protection. The film, which focuses centrally on the theme of safeguarding cows, received a nationwide theatrical release on Friday, marking a significant step in public awareness campaigns.
Government's Commitment to Cow Conservation Highlighted
This decision underscores the state administration's dedication to prioritizing cow protection as both a social imperative and an administrative responsibility. A government spokesperson elaborated that the tax-free status is intended to facilitate broader societal reach for the film's conservation message. "The government believes that through this film, the message of cow conservation will reach society on a broader scale and help connect the general public with the seriousness of the issue," the spokesperson stated.
Filmmaker's Meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
The film's creator, Vinod Chaudhary, recently met with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. During their discussion, Chaudhary commended the Chief Minister's proactive efforts and initiatives aimed at cow protection. This interaction preceded the government's announcement, highlighting the alignment between the film's subject matter and the state's policy focus.
Impact of Tax-Free Status on Audience Accessibility
By removing entertainment taxes, the tax-free designation will effectively lower ticket prices, making the film more accessible to a larger audience. This strategic move is expected to encourage greater viewership, thereby disseminating the cow protection narrative to diverse demographic segments across Uttar Pradesh.
Historical Context of Cow Protection Under Yogi Adityanath's Leadership
The film's theme resonates deeply with the Yogi Adityanath-led government's longstanding emphasis on cow welfare. Since assuming office in 2017, the Chief Minister has implemented stringent measures against illegal cow smuggling, resulting in numerous arrests statewide. Over the past nine years, the administration has achieved several milestones in this domain:
- Establishment of over 7,500 cow shelters throughout Uttar Pradesh, providing sanctuary to approximately 12 lakh cattle.
- Formation of Cow Protection Committees in every district to oversee and enforce protection initiatives.
- Continuous administrative actions to curb smuggling and promote ethical treatment of cows.
These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to integrating cow protection into the state's governance framework, with the tax-free film serving as a cultural extension of these policies.
