The Animal Husbandry Minister of the state of Karnataka has said that the state will implement a ban on cow slaughter, sale, and consumption of beef soon after the COVID-19 crisis eases down.
Ahead of the 2018 assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party had said in its manifesto that it would prohibit cow slaughter if they come to power. Prabhu Chavan, the animal husbandry minister said,
“The government is committed to enacting the anti-cow slaughter law. Once the COVID-19 crisis eases an expert committee would be constituted to look into its implementation, and if need be, it will visit states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to study about implementation there.”
He also told that he will hold discussions with Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in this regard and told him he is committed to making it more effective than other states. If the law will be enacted, there will be a prohibition on slaughter, sale, and use of beef along with illegal transportation of animals for the purpose of slaughtering.
Resistance By Opposition
There has been consistent resistance by the opposition parties in the state ever since the Yediyurappa government of 2010 brought in the prevention of slaughter and preservation of cattle bill which was proposed to replace the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Prevention Act of 1964. In that bill, there was a blanket ban on cattle slaughter with stringent penalties for violation. The Congress that came back to power in 2013 withdrew the bill immediately.
After the BJP came back to power in 2019, there have been several voices in the party which has been making a pitch for the anti-cow slaughter law. The minister also said that the Cow Protection Commission which was set up in 2013 will be made functional. He also said that the government wants to ensure the protection of cows, development of gaushalas and also wants to encourage dairy products. He also said that the state government would set up an animal welfare board that will be engaged with those involved in animal husbandry.
Source: The News Minute
