Authorities in India are bracing up for a mass nationwide online “cow science” exam next month.
This is the latest move by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to promote and protect the animal species considered sacred by a large section of the Hindu majority, BBC reports.
The hour-long test slated February 25 is open to children and adults, as well as foreigners.
The exams comprises 100 multiple-choice questions in Hindi, English and 12 regional languages.
The aim
According to Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog National Cow Commission (RKA), a cow protection agency created by Modi’s administration, the aim is to assess people’s knowledge and “sensitise and educate” them.
“Certificates will be given to all.
“Successful meritorious candidates will be given prizes and certificates,” the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said on Wednesday.
“The cow is full of science and economics.
“People are not aware of the true economic and scientific value of the animal,” RKA chief Vallabhbhai Kathiria said.
RKA has released relevant information to the prospective participants which include information on different cow breeds, as well as the theory that slaughtering animals causes earthquakes.
The belief
In Hindu major communities, cows are considered sacred.
Under Modi’s rule the animals are increasingly becoming “a political and sectarian flash-point”.
Millions of dollars have been invested to sponsor programmes and researches meant for the protection of the animals and to encourage more uses of bovine dung and urine.
Cow slaughter outlawed
By slaughtering cows or eating beef one is testing the power of authorities in many parts of the culturally diverse and officially secular country.
Besides sentences elsewhere have increased. Such actions considered a transgression have a string of attacks. In many instances, vigilante Hindu groups attacked Muslims and low-caste Hindus for the same reasons.
The southern state of Karnataka has increased police’s powers by amending its cow protection law. They are at the liberty to search and arrest anyone without a warrant suspected of cow slaughter.
Jail terms have been enhanced to seven years and fines to one million rupees ($13,700) for offenders.
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