New Delhi: A viral video by CA Sarthak Ahuja has reignited debate on India’s controversial cow welfare cess, exposing a paradox between massive tax collections and worsening stray cattle conditions across several states.
Ahuja, speaking in a video shared on X, explained that consumers across India are indirectly paying a “cow cess” through multiple avenues. He said that states such as Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh levy the cess not only on alcohol but also on electricity bills, toll tax, and vehicle purchases. In some states, it is even included in construction-related charges.
“In Rajasthan, for example, you pay 20 percent VAT on liquor, and then another 20 percent cow cess on top of that,” Ahuja said. “This tax is collected for the welfare of cows.”
According to Ahuja’s estimates, Rajasthan collects around ₹2,000 crore annually through this levy, while Punjab and Haryana collect ₹500 crore and ₹200 crore respectively. Together, Indian states raise more than ₹3,000 crore each year in the name of cow protection.
The funds are meant to build shelters and improve living facilities for cows. However, the streets of many Indian towns remain crowded with stray cattle, raising serious questions about transparency in the use of these funds. “If we are paying for cow welfare,” Ahuja said, “then why do we still have stray cattle everywhere, and how is India the fourth largest exporter of buffalo meat in the world?”
The issue underscores growing concerns over accountability and the use of religion-linked taxes in public finance.
