Karnataka cabinet okays anti-cow slaughter ordinance
Bengaluru: The Karnataka cabinet on Monday decided to promulgate an ordinance to give effect to the contentious anti-cow slaughter bill that is yet to be approved by the legislative council.
Once it comes into effect, there will be a blanket prohibition of the slaughter of cows in the state.
However, slaughterhouses will continue to function and beef consumption will not be prohibited with respect to buffalo meat.
"The anti-cow slaughter law is not new. We have had it for decades.
Previously, there was a ban on the slaughter of cows until the age of 13. We have extended it with the intention that older cows should not be left out.
Since the prohibition does not extend to buffaloes, there is no ban on beef consumption," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C Madhuswamy said.
Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting here, he said the ordinance is likely to be sent to the Governor within a day for his assent.
The government is also considering building 'gaushalas' (cow shelters) to ensure that aged cows that are not used for milching do not become a burden on the farmer, he said.
The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill-2020 bill proposes a maximum of seven years' imprisonment and fine of Rs five lakh for the offenders.
It seeks a total ban on slaughter of cows in the state and provides for stringent punishment to those who indulge in smuggling, illegal transportation, atrocities on cows and slaughtering them.
The government had to opt for the ordinance route as the Bill passed by the legislative assembly earlier this month in the winter session amid din and stiff opposition from the Congress has not yet been approved by the legislative council.
The council was adjourned sine die even before the bill was tabled there for passage.
For a bill to become law, its passage in the legislative council, followed by assent by the Governor, is necessary.
Noting that objections the Centre had on the then BJP government's anti cow slaughter bill of 2010 has been addressed, Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chauhan said the earlier one also prohibited the slaughtering of buffaloes.
In the present bill, the prohibition is for the slaughtering of buffaloes until the age of 13, he said.
In a statement released by his office, he said cow is the root of India's culture, faith, and farmers' livelihood.
Expressing concern over the decline in the number of cows year after year, he called on everyone to rise above politics to work towards the growth of the state's cattle assets.
"Opposing the Bill just for the sake of politics and misleading the public is intolerable," he said.
Citing the 2019 cattle census, Chauhan said 2.38 lakh cows are slaughtered every year.
Even a day's delay would lead to the slaughter of 662 cows, he said.
"If it continues at this pace, we arent far away from a time when cows will only be read about in books. Stopping illegal transportation and slaughtering is our priority," he said.
Despite resistance from the opposition, the then BJP government led by B S Yediyurappa in 2010 had got the controversial Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill passed, that proposed to replace the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act, 1964.
The bill had widened the definition of 'cattle' and imposed a blanket ban on cattle slaughter, coupled with stringent penalty clauses for violation.
However, the Siddaramaiah headed Congress government that came to power in 2013 withdrew the bill that was before the President for his assent.
After BJP came back to power in the state, several party leaders have been making a pitch to re-enact the anti-cow slaughter law.
Chauhan, along with officials, had even traveled to Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat to study and gather information on the implementation of the laws there, before bringing the 2020 bill to assembly earlier this month.
According to sources, BJP, which hurriedly tabled the bill and ensured its passage in the assembly in the winter session, did not do so in the council, sensing that the numbers were not in its favor with opposition Congress and JD(S) against it, and may refer it to the joint select committee.
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
