LUCKNOW, April 28 -- Amid polls, the Uttar Pradesh government has given financial approval to the release of the first instalment of the funds required for the upkeep of stray cattle during the current fiscal in the state.

According to the officials in the know of things, the government last week issued a GO granting the financial approval with the condition that the funds would be utilised specifically for the maintenance of stray cattle and in strict compliance with the Election Commission's model code of conduct.

"The government through the GO has approved an amount of Rs.16,66,64 lakh (166.66 crore) for spending on building cow conservation centres and arrange feed for stray cattle," the official said.

"This amount is the first ins...