[UPSC Interview prep feed Vol.23] Beef Ban

Topic: BEEF BAN

Why the sudden rise to lime light?

• So, recently the new govt. in Maharashtra has enacted a law (Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act) banning the slaughter of bulls and bullocks in the State. It got the Presidential assent.
• Couple of other states also contemplating similar laws on this line.

Let's get a historical perspective!

• Article 48 of Constitutions says that -Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry The State shall endeavour to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.
• In 1976, Maharashtra enacted a law to ban the slaughter of cows in the State.
• In 1995, law was framed to ban the slaughter of bulls and bullocks on similar lines but it never got the Presidential assent. But then post the change in the govt. subsequently, the demand was never raised again.

Some Biology Basics

• What is Bull? An uncastrated male bovine animal.
• What is Bullock? A male domestic bovine animal that has been castrated and is raised for beef.
• What is Red Meat? Meat which is red when raw. For e.g. beef or lamb.
• Why is red meat bad? Hardens blood vessels, over use of meat glue in case of beef, threat of E.Coli, full of harmful hormones etc.

Provisions of the Act

• Act bans the slaughter of bulls and bullocks in the State.
• Act bans the import of beef from outside and makes it a criminal offence to possess such meat. In such cases the punishment can be upto 1 year.
• For slaughter cases, the FINE can be upto 10,000 INR and imprisonment upto 5 years.
• Act allows slaughter of water buffaloes which provide the carabeef. The quality is inferior and it comprises of 25% of the total share of the beef market.

Other side of the Beef Ban

• Beef trade largely controlled by the Muslims of Qureshi Caste in MH. It would render them jobless. So concrete steps as of now to rehabilitate them.
• It would lead to spiralling rise of prices of other meat products in the market.
• Beef is often seen as "Poor Man's Meat" as it cost approximately one-third of the price of mutton. How will they get that nutrition?
• Who will care for the old and infirm animals now?
• The farmers will also be at loss as they will not be able to sell the aged bulls and bullocks.
• Why ban even the import? Five States including UP, Punjab and Haryana permit the import of beef inspite the ban on slaughter.
• As per some reports, in the State there is already 61% fodder shortage. It might become worse with this ban as there will be more animals to feed.

Other First world problems!

• Restaurants would lose a lot of International tourists.
• They say that beef and beer (alcohol) go along really well!
• The Butchers are seeking permission to kill Jersey cows now as they are not at all related to the sentiments of sacredness.