Oximeters not for cows, says UP govt in flip-flop after news reports based on its own press release

The Yogi Adityanath-led UP government has denied news reports that it was in the process of equipping cow shelters in the state with oximeters and thermal scanners for cows.

The reports were based on a press release circulated by the government to journalists across the state on May 4 which hailed the work done by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure the ‘well-being of cows’ in the state amid the COVID surge.

It said that the state government had issued instructions that all cow shelters (gaushalas) must strictly follow COVID-19 protocols.

“Besides, the gaushalas will also be equipped with all the medical equipment such as oximeters and thermal scanners for cows and other animals as well,” the press release had stated, as per a report carried by The Quint.

Speaking to India Today, Additional Chief Secretary (Information), Navneet Sehgal said that no such order of using oximeters or thermal scanners for cows has been issued by the UP government.

Calling the news reports "misleading", he further said that the oximeters and other equipment will be installed for the staff at the shelters and not the cows.