The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Friday passed a bill enabling the constitution of the Goseva Ayog (cow welfare commission) for the preservation, protection and welfare of cows and other cattle.

Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said the government wants to encourage institutions such as Gosadan, Goshala, Panjarpol and Gorakshan Sanstha engaged in conservation of local bovine breeds, their genetic improvement and fodder development.