Karnataka BJP’s anti-cow slaughter bill withdrawn

BELAGAVI (Karnataka) : The Congress government fulfilled one of the assurances it had made during the assembly polls in 2013 — withdraw the bill banning cow slaughter that was introduced by the BJP during its tenure.

Amid dharna and slogan shouting by the BJP in the well of the House, the assembly passed the bill which seeks to withdraw the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Protection Bill, 2010. This bill had been passed during the BJP regime, which banned slaughter of cattle and imposed stringent punishment for violations. The Congress, which was in theopposition benches then, had opposed it following which then governor H R Bhardwaj had sent the legislation to the President.

The President had sought clarifications and later approved the bill. The legislation, incorporating all amendments sought by the President, had not been tabled in the legislature after the Congress came to power.

Withdrawal of the bill means restoration of the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act, 1964, that governs the slaughter of cattle in the state. The 1964 act restricts slaughter of cows, calf and she-buffaloes. It allows slaughter of bulls, bullocks and buffaloes if they are aged above 12 or if they are no longer fit for breeding or draught or do not give milk.

Lake conservation bill tabled

The Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Bill, 2014 was tabled in the assembly which ensures protection and conservation of lakes, particularly in and around Bengaluru. The legislation provides for establishment of an authority to protect, conserve and rejuvenate water bodies like tanks, lakes, wet lands and their catchment areas. This apart from looking into recharging of depleting groundwater with help from government departments and other agencies.

Source : Times Of India