The Uttrakhand Law Commission has recommended changes in the State's Protection of Cow Progeny Act 2007 to declare the cow as "mother of the nation".

The law commission in its report called the cow "rashtra mata" despite the resolution passed by Uttarakhand government in this regard is awaiting a green signal from the Centre.

Last year in September, Uttarakhand assembly passed a unanimous resolution seeking the "rastra mata" status for the cow and Opposition Congress also supported this.

The commission has also given various recommendations towards amending the 2007 act such as setting up of veterinary centres and shelters for stray cows and also penalising cattle owners in case of cruelty to the animal. It has also recommended setting up toll-free numbers to report cruelty against cows.

Chairman of the commission Justice Rajesh Tandon suggested reviving anticipatory bail which was suspended during 1975 Emergency.

The commission has also suggested various obsolete archaic laws, which have been in place since the time when Uttarakhand was a part of Uttar Pradesh, to be scrapped.

The recommendations have already been presented before Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and state Law Minister Prakash Pant.

With PTI inputs

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