Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced a law to protect cattle in the state on the first day of the budget session of the assembly that began on Monday. This law is called the Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced a law to protect cattle in the state on the first day of the budget session of the assembly that began on Monday. This law is called the Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021.
Under this bill, there is a provision to ban the purchase and sale of beef in areas with Hindus, Jains, Sikh majority and other communities that do not eat beef.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has clarified that the purpose of the law is to ensure that the sale of beef will not be allowed in areas where mainly Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and non-beef-eating communities live or those places come within five kilometres of a temple and any other institution determined by the authorities. However, he said that keeping in mind the sentiments of the beef eaters, relaxation can be given for some religious occasions.
After the implementation of this law, before slaughtering the cattle, a certificate for that cattle will have to be obtained from the registered veterinary officer. According to the bill, the veterinary officer will issue this certificate only if the cattle is not a cow and its age is more than 14 years. A cow or a calf can be slaughtered if it is permanently disabled.
Apart from this, only licensed slaughterhouses will be allowed to slaughter cattle. Apart from this, necessary restrictions will also be imposed regarding taking cows from one state to another.
At the same time, some exemptions have been given in this bill on the transportation of cattle. Under which no permission will be required to take cattle inside any district for pasture or the purpose of farming or animal husbandry.
All offences under the new law will be cognizable and non-bailable. Any person found guilty shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years or with fine ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, or with both. Not only this, if found guilty for the second time, the punishment will be doubled. Under this Act, the word cattle means bullocks, cows, heifers, calves, male and female buffaloes and buffaloes.
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