• Bhai Kamalanand writes an open letter to Home Minister Amit Shah.
• Proposes indigenous cow-based farming in prisons with available land.
• Seeks vocational training through cattle care and Panchgavya products.
• Calls for workshops and research at police training centres.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th Nov: Bhai Kamalanand (Dr Kamal Tawari), former Secretary to the Government of India and Vice-Chancellor of Panchgavya Vidyapeetham, has written an open letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Centre to introduce cow-based farming and related activities in prisons across the country as part of an inmate rehabilitation initiative.

In his letter, Kamalanand proposed utilising available land within prison premises for indigenous cattle-based farming, cattle care and the production of organic manure and Panchgavya products. He said the initiative could provide inmates with practical skills, encourage self-employment and help prepare them for reintegration into society after release.

His proposal also calls for the Home Ministry to communicate with prison administrations across states and explore arrangements with Panchgavya Vidyapeetham to implement the programme wherever land and other facilities are available.

Cattle Care as a Tool for Rehabilitation
Referring to an example from Chhattisgarh, Kamalanand cited Rukmani Gaushala in Durg, which was established by his uncle, Jhumarlal Tawari, around three decades ago. He said a jail official had shared that inmates involved in cattle care at the facility showed improvements in behaviour and developed practical skills.

According to Kamalanand, caring for cattle can encourage qualities such as compassion, patience and a sense of responsibility. He believes similar activities in prisons could provide inmates with constructive engagement and an opportunity to develop a different outlook towards life.

He suggested that prison land suitable for cultivation could be used for indigenous cow-based agriculture. Activities could include cattle management, preparation of organic manure and production of Panchgavya-based products, potentially creating avenues for vocational training and livelihood generation.

No Separate Budget Proposed
The former bureaucrat said the initiative could be taken forward through cooperation between prison authorities, Panchgavya Vidyapeetham, experts associated with indigenous cattle and a federation of gaushalas.

He proposed that the Vidyapeetham could sign memorandums of understanding with prison administrations and provide follow-up support. He also suggested that the Home Ministry issue letters to prisons in different states to assess the feasibility of the programme.

Kamalanand maintained that the initiative need not require a separate budget if existing land, resources and institutional support could be utilised effectively. He said the proposed activities could contribute to inmate rehabilitation while also supporting indigenous cattle conservation and rural entrepreneurship.

Proposal Extends to Police Training Centres
Dr Kamalanand said that communities should strengthen local production and livelihoods amid changing global economic conditions.

He further urged the Home Ministry to organise workshops and research programmes on cow-based farming and related practices at police training centres. Such programmes, he suggested, could help build awareness among police personnel and encourage research into the potential role of agriculture and animal care in rehabilitation.

Concluding his appeal, Kamalanand requested the Home Minister to consider the proposal and initiate action to explore its implementation across state prisons. He said the broader objective was to create opportunities for inmates to acquire skills, develop self-reliance and return to society as responsible citizens.