Why is it in News?
- Tihar Jail, Delhi launched a new gaushala initiative on November 19, 2025, to use cow therapy for improving mental health among inmates.
- Initiative is inspired by earlier pilots in Haryana and Sweden and aims to promote mental well-being, compassion, and rehabilitation.
Relevance:
- GS 2: Social Justice — prisoner rehabilitation, mental health interventions, behavioural reform.
- GS 2: Governance — prison management reforms, NGO collaboration, digital transparency.
- GS 1: Society — compassion-based therapy, reintegration strategies, humanisation of incarceration.
Background:
- Gaushala Concept: Shelter for indigenous cows, particularly Sahiwal breed.
- Cow Therapy: Psychological intervention using interaction with cows to reduce loneliness, promote emotional well-being, and spread kindness.
- Initiative Scope:
- Started with 10 cows, planned to scale over time.
- Aims to integrate therapy with vocational training, including milk production and puja material preparation.
- Previous Models:
- Haryana and Sweden: Similar cow therapy projects showed positive results for mental health and rehabilitation.
Implementation in Tihar Jail:
- Small-scale pilot in jails 2 and 3, integrating inmates in animal care.
- Prison officials see gaushala as a centre of learning, compassion, and transparency.
- No direct visits or calls; inmates benefit through daily care and interaction.
- Initiative also part of rehabilitation and skill-building programs for inmates.
Additional Support Systems:
- Digital Integration:
- Products from Tihar’s cow shed to be sold via Tihar’s online store (My Store).
- Real-time tracking of essential items and NGO collaboration for rehabilitation support.
- Inventory Management System: Monitors supply of food, medicines, and essential items.
- NGO Collaboration: Registration portal for NGOs to strengthen inmate rehabilitation programs.
Impact:
- Mental Health: Reduces loneliness, promotes emotional resilience.
- Skill Development: Enables inmates to earn a livelihood and support their families post-release.
- Social Rehabilitation: Encourages responsibility, empathy, and humane treatment of animals.
- Institutional Transparency: Digital tracking and NGO oversight ensures accountability.
