Multiple departments in Punjab have shown reluctance in sharing information regarding the collection and utilisation of cow cess, as revealed through applications filed under the Right to Information Act (RTI).Kamal Anand, an advocate and RTI activist from Sangrur, said he sought details from various departments about the funds collected under the cow cess, introduced by the Punjab government in 2015 for the welfare of stray cattle. However, most departments either denied having information or failed to respond.According to Anand, the office of the Excise Commissioner said the matter did not pertain to them. The Transport Department also did not provide the requested data, despite directions from higher authorities. Similarly, local bodies have not disclosed figures related to the cess collection.Only the state power utility, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), shared partial information. It reported collecting Rs 70.98 crore from electricity consumers since 2022, out of which Rs 32.55 crore was released to registered gaushalas.Meanwhile, the condition of many cow shelters (gaushalas) across the state remains poor. Despite claims of hundreds of registered shelters, several are reportedly struggling with inadequate funding, lack of proper infrastructure and insufficient fodder. Stray cattle continue to roam freely, often seen feeding on garbage, highlighting gaps in their upkeep.The lack of transparency in fund collection and utilisation, along with the condition of gaushalas, has raised concerns among those seeking accountability through RTI, rues Anand.Cow cess levied on multiple services; rates fixed by Punjab govtA notification issued by the Punjab government details the collection of cow cess on a wide range of services and commodities, outlining fixed rates to generate funds for the welfare of stray cattle.As per the document dated April 29, 2015, the cess is imposed on various activities including liquor sales, vehicle registration, electricity consumption, and other public services.The rates specified in the notification include:Rs 100 per oil tankerRs 10 per bottle on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL)Rs 5 per bottle desi liquor or beerRs 1 per cement bag2 paise per electricity unitRs 1,000 on marriage palace (AC) per  bookingRs 500 on marriage palace (non-AC) per bookingRs 1,000 on registration of heavy vehiclesRs 200 on registration of light vehiclesThe notification further says the cess is to be collected by the concerned departments and utilised for the upkeep and management of gaushalas and stray cattle.The levy was introduced under provisions of the Punjab Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955, with the aim of creating a dedicated fund for cattle welfare across the state.