Assam expands beef ban to hotels, restaurants, public spaces
The Assam government has announced a significant policy change, banning the public consumption of beef across the state.
The decision was approved during a State Cabinet meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday and adds a new dimension to the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, which already regulates the slaughter, transportation, and sale of cattle.
The ban prohibits the consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants, public functions, and community festivals. Private events may still be permitted to serve beef, although further clarifications are expected during the legislative session.
This policy will be formalized through an amendment to the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, in the upcoming session.
Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma explained the rationale behind the decision, “The Cabinet reviewed proposals made by Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah and MP Rakibul Hussain, which influenced this move. The 2021 Act was already stringent but lacked provisions addressing the public consumption of beef during festivals and in hotels.”
The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021 prohibits the slaughter of cows and regulates the slaughter of other cattle and limits the sale of beef to locations at least 5 kilometres away from Hindu temples.
The decision is anticipated to spark political and social debates in Assam, with critics likely to scrutinize its impact on livelihoods and cultural traditions.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the political sensitivities of the move, noting that he awaits responses from Borah and Hussain.
The ban intensifies Assam’s cattle preservation policies and aligns with broader national conversations surrounding the regulation of beef consumption, further reflecting the state’s cultural and legislative priorities.
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why only beef
pork chicken mutton should also be banned they are also animals .
for inidan politicians only beef (cow )is a animal
while pig an all are just for consumption