Is the Maha Govt Launching a Campaign to Ban Cow Slaughter?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government initiates a campaign against cow slaughter.
- Increased penalties for repeat offenders proposed.
- Collaboration with NGOs and cow guards for reporting.
- Police action taken against unauthorized slaughterhouses.
- Development plans announced for Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation.
Mumbai, July 17 (NationPress) - The Maharashtra Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, announced in the state Assembly on Thursday that a dedicated campaign will be initiated to prohibit cow slaughter in unauthorized slaughterhouses throughout the state.
“Cow slaughter will be firmly opposed across the state. The government is committed to taking stringent measures concerning this issue. A targeted campaign will be launched against cow slaughter occurring in unauthorized facilities,” he stated while responding to a calling attention motion presented by member Sanjay Upadhyay regarding the cow slaughter ban.
Minister Kadam emphasized that the existing laws will undergo amendments to impose harsher penalties on repeat offenders, with proposed punishments for repeated cow slaughter reaching up to 10 years in prison along with increased fines.
“Repeat offenders will be subject to scrutiny and may face action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. Cases of cow slaughter reported by cow guards or NGOs will be acted upon by the police. There will be collaboration among NGOs, cow guards, and law enforcement for effective action. Additionally, the verification of identity cards for cow guards will be executed before any action is taken,” he added.
The state’s Animal Husbandry Department manages cowsheds housing old, non-milking cows and stray animals, with government support. Recently, police in Badlapur (West) apprehended one suspect, while two others remain at large. Measures will also be taken against a hotel in Wani city of Yavatmal district, where beef was discovered, leading to the cancellation of its license.
In a related development, Industry Minister Uday Samant announced plans to form a high-level committee aimed at ensuring sustainable development in Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation.
He addressed a calling attention motion by member Rais Sheikh concerning the development initiatives in the Bhiwandi-Nizampur area. Minister Samant outlined that this committee will create a comprehensive development plan for the city, facilitating expedited development projects. The previously approved project for 8,468 houses in Bhiwandi was canceled as its deadline approached.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a proposal for the second phase of planning will be submitted to the central government within three months to ensure timely commencement.
Additionally, the initial phase of the metro project is currently in progress in Bhiwandi, with a technical review scheduled to determine whether the second phase will be constructed underground or above ground.