Will Cow Replace Tiger as National Animal? Centre Breaks Silence in Parliament

The Central Government made its position clear in Parliament recently regarding the proposal for declaring the cow as India’s national animal. Responding to written questions from members of Parliament, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S.P. Singh Baghel, stated that the Centre has no plans to bring any legislation to give the cow this status. This response was delivered in the Lok Sabha, the lower House of Parliament, and comes at a time when public debate and demands around the issue have gained momentum in certain parts of the country.

Citing the Constitution of India, the minister referred specifically to Article 246(3), which outlines the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States. Preservation of animals, including cows, is listed under the State List. This means that only State legislatures have the authority to make laws regarding animal preservation. As a result, the Centre reiterated that such matters fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of individual States, not the Central Government. Thus, if any State wants to declare the cow as its own state animal or give special legal protections, it is within its constitutional rights to pass suitable legislation.

During his reply, the minister also mentioned that the Centre has been implementing supportive schemes such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission since December 2014. This scheme aims to aid and strengthen the work of States and Union Territories in promoting, protecting, and rearing cows. The mission focuses on the development and upkeep of indigenous cattle breeds. The minister highlighted that, as of 2024, cow milk contributed 53.12% of India’s total milk production, emphasising the animal’s importance in the country’s agricultural and dairy sectors.

The question regarding national status for the cow is not new. Previous debates have included references to courts and various demands from social and cultural groups, especially considering the sacred place of the cow in Indian tradition. However, the government pointed out that, at the national level, the notified national animals remain the tiger and the peacock (national bird), as per official notifications. Legal protection for these animals is also provided under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

States in India already follow a diverse range of laws regarding cow slaughter and protection. States like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana have strict bans in place, while States such as Kerala and West Bengal follow more relaxed approaches. This wide diversity in regulations is an example of how animal preservation policies vary across regions, reflecting different cultural, social, and economic considerations.

The government’s clear declaration reinforces the federal structure of India, where matters of animal preservation and similar subjects remain under State control, ensuring respect for both cultural plurality and constitutional norms. For now, the Centre has decisively ruled out any plans to declare the cow as India’s national animal at the national level, leaving such decisions in the hands of State governments.

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