Assam joins other BJP-ruled states; will table a cow protection bill in Assembly soon

Assam has become latest BJP-ruled state to bring in a cow protection bill with Governor Jagdish Mukhi announcing that govt will introduce bill in next assembly session. Mukhi, who was dressing first session of 15th Legislative Assembly, said that state will opt a 'zero-toleration' policy on cow protection and will impose stringent punishment for offenders. bill proposes a complete ban on transport of cattle outside State

Assam govt to bring Cow protection bill

"I am happy to inform you that my government plans to introduce Cow Protection Bill in next assembly session. proposed bill envisages imposition of complete ban on transport of cattle outside state," said Mukhi. He ded, "We will opt a zero-toleration policy and enforce stringent punishment for offenders.  Once passed, Assam will join or states of country who have passed similar bills."

Or states' cow laws

In June 2020,   Uttar Presh government passed an ordinance for protecting cows called - Cow Slaughter Prevention (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020. According to ordinance, illegal transportation of bovine animals and cow slaughter will attract upto 10 years of imprisonment and up to 5 lakh fine.  A similar cow protection law has been passed in BJP-ruled Karnataka and Mhya Presh.

In Karnataka, law bans cattle slaughter, Sale, purchase or disposal of cattle for slaughter. Only transport for bonafide agricultural or animal husbandry purposes has been allowed. Any violation may attract  three-seven years of imprisonment, and or a fine of Rs 50,000 upto Rs 5 lakhs. In case of repeat offence, fine will be Rs 1 lakh upto Rs 10 lakhs, with jail term extending upto 7 years. Apart from passing a similar cow protection law, Mhya Presh govt has also set up a 'cow cabinet'.  Meanwhile, Supreme Court has asked Centre to modify its Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act - specifically those rules which allow authorities to seize vehicles used in cattle transportation and send animals to cow shelters, or face a stay.

Recently,   Centre announced a national 'Cow promotion' exam on 25 February 2021. dressing a press conference, Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog Chairman Vallabhbhai Kathiria announced that voluntary exam titled - 'Kamdhenu Gau Vigyan Prachar Prasar Examination' will be held online as 'it will help find unexplored potential and business opportunities a cow can offer, even after it stops giving milk'. However, Cow exam was postponed after furor by Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parish demanding cancellation of exam saying it was an attempt to spre superstition and to saffronize education sector in country.