The Congress government has decided to restore the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act, 1964, that governs the slaughter of cattle in the State.
Asked about the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2010, enacted during the previous BJP government which is pending before the President for assent, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told presspersons that “the 1964 Act will be restored”.
The Opposition Congress in the previous Assembly, where Siddaramaiah was Leader of Opposition, had opposed the 2010 Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 2010. The Bill was passed in the State legislature twice during the BJP rule.
Scope of the 1964 Act is restricted to the slaughter of cows, calf and she-buffaloes, but allowed slaughter of bulls, bullocks and buffaloes if they were aged above 12 or if they were no longer fit for breeding or draught or did not give milk.
The 1964 Act said that anyone violating the law can be punished with imprisonment up to maximum of 6 months or fine of up to Rs. 1,000 or both. The crime is treated as a cognisable offence.
Boards/Corporations
With the formation of the new government, the Chief Minister said all heads of the Government owned boards and corporations should resign. “If they don’t resign, we will take action as per the law,” Mr Siddaramaiah warned.
Houses
Asked about construction of houses under the Aasare scheme for the flood affected families of north Karnataka, he said the previous BJP government had not spent money to built houses.
The Bharatiya Janata Party government spent only money received from the Centre and donated by donors, he claimed.
A decision with regard to construction of houses to 2009 flood victims would be taken after holding a meeting with officials of the department concerned, he said.
