The Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana is a transformative initiative by the Uttarakhand Government designed to alleviate the hardships faced by rural women in hilly areas who traditionally venture into forests to collect fodder for their livestock. Launched in 2021 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a visit to the state, the scheme represents a significant step towards women’s welfare and livestock development in the hill state .
The scheme addresses a critical safety concern: women in mountainous regions often risk their lives navigating steep slopes and dense forests, facing threats from wild animals like tigers and leopards, and falling from trees. Recognizing this, the government introduced the scheme to provide subsidized, nutritious fodder directly at the doorstep of beneficiaries . It operates under the Cooperative Department of Uttarakhand, utilizing the network of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across the state .
The initiative not only reduces the physical burden on women but also contributes to improving livestock health and dairy productivity, thereby increasing the income of rural families . The scheme’s success has even attracted attention from other states, with officials from Bihar visiting Uttarakhand to study its model .
Jharkhand Free Cycle Scheme 2026: Application Process, Eligibility, and Benefits Guide
Scheme Overview and Key Statistics
The Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana (MGKY) has specific parameters that beneficiaries and stakeholders must understand. Here is a detailed overview of the scheme:
Scheme Overview Table:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana (MGKY) |
| Launch Year | 2021 |
| Launching Authority | Union Home Minister Amit Shah / Uttarakhand Government |
| Implementing Department | Cooperative Department, Uttarakhand |
| Target Beneficiaries | Rural women in hilly areas, livestock rearers |
| Total Beneficiaries | Over 1 lakh (targeted: 3 lakh+ rural women) |
| Beneficiary Kit Contents | Two hoes, two sickles, a water bottle, and a tiffin |
| Distribution Centers | 7,771 centers across the state |
| Budget Allocation | ₹25 crore |
| Official Website | uk.gov.in |
Key Benefits Table:
| Benefit Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Subsidized Silage/Fodder | Available at ₹2.25 to ₹2.75 per kg |
| Subsidy Rate | 75% subsidy on selling price (approx.) |
| Actual Market Price | ₹9.00 per kg (government bears the cost) |
| Transport Subsidy | ₹3.00 per kg for transportation |
| Safety Kit | Provided free of cost to women beneficiaries |
| Monthly Supply | ~3,000 tonnes of silage to hilly districts |
Key Takeaway: The scheme offers high-quality silage at a fraction of its actual cost, ensuring that women do not have to risk their lives to collect fodder .
Objectives of the Scheme
The Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana has been designed with clear, multifaceted objectives that address social, economic, and safety concerns of hill women.
Primary Objectives:
1. Safety and Welfare of Women:
- To prevent injuries and fatalities caused by women venturing into forests to cut grass .
- To protect women from attacks by wild animals such as leopards, tigers, and bears .
- To reduce the physical drudgery and time spent on fodder collection.
2. Livestock Development:
- To provide scientifically prepared, nutritious fodder (silage and total mixed ration) to improve animal health .
- To increase milk production and improve the quality of dairy products.
- To enhance the income of farmers through better livestock productivity .
3. Economic Empowerment:
- To improve the economics of animal husbandry, which supports over 70% of Uttarakhand’s population .
- To enable women to focus on income-generating activities instead of fodder collection.
- To reduce the financial burden on rural families by providing subsidized fodder.
4. Environmental Protection:
- To reduce the environmental ill-effects caused by burning of crop residues .
- To promote sustainable fodder production practices.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme
The Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana is designed to benefit specific categories of women in Uttarakhand. The eligibility framework is straightforward and accessible.
Primary Eligibility Conditions:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand |
| Gender | Only women are eligible to apply |
| Location | Must reside in rural and hilly areas of the state |
| Occupation | Women who traditionally go to forests to collect fodder for their livestock |
| Livestock Ownership | Must be a livestock rearer/animal husbandry practitioner |
Beneficiary Categories:
1. Rural Women in Hills
- Women living in remote and hilly districts like Chamoli, Pauri, Almora, etc.
- Those who currently walk long distances to collect fodder.
2. Livestock Rearers
- Women who own cattle, goats, sheep, or other livestock.
- Dairy farmers and animal husbandry practitioners.
3. Members of Cooperative Societies
- Women associated with dairy and agricultural cooperatives.
Special Provisions:
- The scheme particularly targets women from families where agriculture and animal husbandry are the primary source of livelihood .
- Pregnant women and elderly women are given special preference for safety reasons.
How the Scheme Works
The Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana operates through a well-structured implementation framework involving government departments, cooperative societies, and private vendors.
Implementation Structure:
1. Fodder Production:
- Green maize and other crops are cultivated in the plains and lower areas of Uttarakhand.
- The crops are processed into silage, a nutritious, fermented fodder .
- The silage is packed into sealed packets for preservation.
2. Subsidy and Pricing:
- The state government provides a 75% subsidy on the selling price of silage .
- The actual market price is around ₹9.00 per kg.
- Beneficiaries can purchase silage at ₹2.25 to ₹2.75 per kg .
- Additional subsidy for transportation: ₹3.00 per kg .
3. Distribution Network:
- Fodder is distributed through 7,771 centers across the state .
- Cooperative societies and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) serve as distribution points .
- The government bears the cost of loading and unloading.
4. Safety Kit Distribution:
- Every woman in a livestock-rearing family receives a free kit containing:
- Two hoes (kudals)
- Two sickles (darantis)
- A water bottle
- A tiffin box
5. Online Management:
- All 670 multipurpose PACS in the state have been computerized .
- Beneficiary data and supply chain are managed online.
Financial Benefits and Support
The Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana provides significant financial and material support to beneficiaries:
Financial Assistance Breakdown:
| Support Component | Details | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Fodder Subsidy | 75% subsidy on silage price | Saves ₹6.75 per kg |
| Beneficiary Price | ₹2.25 to ₹2.75 per kg | Affordable for all |
| Transport Subsidy | ₹3.00 per kg | Free doorstep delivery |
| Safety Kit | Free kit with hoes, sickles, etc. | No cost to beneficiary |
| Total Budget | ₹25 crore | Allocated by state government |
| Additional Subsidies | Loading/unloading costs covered | No extra charges |
Monthly Fodder Supply:
- Approximately 3,000 tonnes of silage are supplied to hilly districts every month .
- This ensures a regular and reliable supply of fodder.
Income Benefits:
1. Reduced Expenditure:
- Families save money that would have been spent on purchasing fodder at market rates.
2. Increased Livestock Productivity:
- Nutritious silage leads to better milk yield and healthier animals .
- Increased income from dairy products.
3. Time Savings:
- Women save hours that were earlier spent walking to forests and cutting grass.
- This time can be redirected towards income-generating activities.
Application Process
Applying for the Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana is a straightforward process. The government has simplified the application procedure to ensure maximum participation.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process:
Step 1: Visit the official Uttarakhand Government website: https://uk.gov.in/
Step 2: Navigate to the “Department of Social Welfare” or “Cooperative Department” section
Step 3: Look for the “Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana” link
Step 4: Click on the “Apply Online” button
Step 5: Register with your mobile number and email ID
Step 6: Fill in the application form with:
- Personal details (name, age, gender)
- Address details (village, block, district)
- Aadhaar number
- Livestock details
- Gram Panchayat information
Step 7: Upload the required documents (see document list below)
Step 8: Review all details and submit the form
Step 9: Download and print the acknowledgment receipt
Required Documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity and residency verification |
| Residence Certificate | Proof of Uttarakhand residency |
| Village Panchayat Certificate | Verification of rural/hilly area |
| Livestock Ownership Proof | To verify animal husbandry status |
| Mobile Number | For communication and OTP verification |
| Bank Account Details | For any future DBT payments |
Offline Application:
Women who cannot access the online portal can:
- Visit their nearest Block Development Office
- Contact the District Cooperative Office
- Visit the Village Panchayat Office
- Seek assistance from Anganwadi centres or local cooperative societies
Current Status and Challenges (2026)
While the Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana has been largely successful, recent challenges have emerged that affect beneficiary access.
Recent Developments:
1. Supply Interruption (January 2026):
- Beneficiaries in several hilly districts reported that fodder supply had been stopped for several weeks .
- The primary reason was delayed budget release by the government.
2. Vendor Payment Issues:
- A private vendor responsible for supplying silage stopped operations due to non-payment for services .
- The government later released the pending budget and restored supply .
3. New Conditions for Commercial Dairy Farmers:
- Subsidized fodder is now limited to farmers with up to 5 animals .
- Farmers with more animals must pay commercial rates for additional fodder.
4. Government Response:
- The Cooperative Department confirmed that the budget has been released and supply will resume shortly .
- Officials are working to ensure that beneficiaries receive uninterrupted service.
Statistics (as of January 2026):
- Monthly silage supply: ~3,000 tonnes to hilly districts .
- Number of beneficiaries: Over 1 lakh .
- Problems faced: Budget delays, vendor disputes .
Important Links and Official Resources
Having access to correct official resources is crucial for successful application and status tracking. Here are all the essential links and official portals:
| Portal Name | URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Uttarakhand Government Portal | uk.gov.in | Main portal for scheme applications |
| Cooperative Department, Uttarakhand | cooperative.uk.gov.in | Scheme guidelines and updates |
| Scheme-specific Page | cooperative.uk.gov.in/scheme/chief-minister-ghasyari-kalyan-yojana/ | Official scheme page |
Helpline:
For any queries or application issues, contact:
- Cooperative Department Office: State-level and district-level offices
- Local Block Development Officer: For on-ground assistance
Important Resources:
- Dairy Vikas Uttarakhand: dairyvikasuttarakhand.in – For dairy and livestock-related queries
- Uttarakhand Government Services: For various government schemes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana?
The Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana is a scheme launched by the Uttarakhand Government in 2021 to provide subsidized fodder to rural women in hilly areas, reducing their need to venture into forests for grass collection . The scheme provides nutritionally rich silage at ₹2.25-2.75 per kg, along with a free safety kit.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Women who are permanent residents of Uttarakhand, live in rural and hilly areas, and traditionally go to forests to collect fodder for their livestock are eligible . The scheme targets livestock rearers and women from families where agriculture and animal husbandry are primary livelihood sources .
What benefits do I get under the scheme?
Beneficiaries receive a free safety kit containing two hoes, two sickles, a water bottle, and a tiffin . Additionally, they can purchase subsidized silage/fodder at ₹2.25 to ₹2.75 per kg, significantly lower than the market price of ₹9 per kg .
How can I apply for the scheme?
Visit the official Uttarakhand Government website (uk.gov.in), navigate to the Department of Social Welfare or Cooperative Department section, and click on the Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana link to apply online . You can also apply offline through Block Development Offices or Village Panchayats.
What documents are required for application?
Required documents include Aadhaar Card, Residence Certificate, Village Panchayat Certificate, Livestock Ownership Proof, and a valid mobile number . Keep these documents ready before starting the application process.
What is the subsidized price of fodder?
The government provides a 75% subsidy on silage, making it available at ₹2.25 to ₹2.75 per kg, compared to the market price of ₹9 per kg . The government also subsidizes transportation costs at ₹3 per kg.
Is the scheme still active?
Yes, the scheme is active. However, in January 2026, there were temporary supply disruptions due to budget delays . The government has since released the funds and confirmed that supply will resume .
How many distribution centers are there?
There are 7,771 centers across the state where beneficiaries can obtain subsidized fodder . These centers include cooperative societies and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
What is the budget for this scheme?
The state government has allocated a budget of ₹25 crore for the implementation of the Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana .
How can I check my application status?
You can check your application status by visiting the official Uttarakhand Government portal (uk.gov.in) and logging into the scheme section. For any issues, contact the Cooperative Department or your local Block Development Office.