The Uttarakhand assembly passed a resolution on Wednesday, seeking the status of "rashtra mata" (mother of the nation) to the cow.
The resolution will now be sent to the Union government for consideration.
It was moved by state animal husbandry minister Rekha Arya and passed unanimously as it received the support of both the opposition Congress and treasury benches.
Moving the resolution in the assembly, minister Arya claimed that cow was the "only animal that not only inhales oxygen, but also exhales it". She also spoke at length about the "medicinal qualities" of cow urine.
The minister reportedly said the previous BJP government made Uttarakhand Protection of Cow Progeny Act, banning cow slaughter in the state, and added that this time around, the state government wants to ban cow slaughter across the country.
"The cow is treated as an incarnation of motherhood. The cow's milk is scientifically considered the best for newborn after his mother's milk," the minister said.
She claimed that granting the status of "rashtra mata" to the cow will further strengthen cow-protection efforts all over the country.
The Congress, which supported the resolution, also said besides according the status of "rashtra mata", steps should be taken to protect and conserve cows.
Lauding the move, leader of opposition in state assembly, Indira Hridayesh, said that while it is important to accord high status to cows, it more important to ensure cow shelters have the necessary facilities to protect cows.
(With PTI inputs)
