LUCKNOW, July 24 -- In a unique initiative of achieving twin goals of animal welfare as well as child education, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) is turning cow shelters into centres of both cow protection and learning for underprivileged children. At Kanha Upvan, a school is being run by the LMC affiliated to the UP Board where currently around 110 children from classes 1 to 8 are enrolled, confirmed additional municipal commissioner Arvind Kumar Rao. On Wednesday, mayor Sushma Kharakwal and municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar conducted a surprise inspection of Radha Upvan cow shelter in Jarhara, Indira Nagar, and Kanha Upvan cow shelter in Nadarganj, Sarojini Nagar. At Kanha Upvan, the mayor visited the school where children of workers and nearby communities are enrolled. During an interaction with students, she stressed the importance of uninterrupted education and directed officials to ensure that children receive free stationery along with free education. "No child should be deprived of learning due to a lack of resources," said the mayor, adding that the LMC considers the education of children at cow protection sites as much a priority as cow welfare. The inspection covered all essential facilities provided to over 10,000 cows in both the shelters. Officials verified the availability of green fodder, straw, bran, clean drinking water, and dedicated medical services. Veterinary arrangements, including ear tagging, vaccination, and treatment for sick cattle, were found to be in place and operational. Both shelters had functional sanitation and drainage systems, CCTV surveillance, and clear segregation of spaces for large and small cows. Special monsoon arrangements-such as the use of sand and ash for dry bedding-were also appreciated by the mayor, who later described the facilities as "satisfactory". During the visit, municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar reviewed the under-construction Animal Birth Control (ABC) Training Centre and the adjacent dog sterilisation unit. He directed that construction be completed quickly and training operations begin without further delay....