Assam Updates Cattle Transport Rules with New Amendment

The Assam Assembly has amended the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, allowing any authorized person to transport cattle. The amendment was passed despite opposition and aligns the Act with a High Court order. Beef consumption remains legal, but slaughter and sale face specific restrictions.

The Assam Assembly has introduced significant amendments to The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, authorizing more individuals to transport cattle. Previously, this was a prerogative of registered agencies or farms.

The amendment, presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, faced proposals for change from AIUDF opposition members but eventually passed unchanged.

The modified law aims to harmonize with a Gauhati High Court order. Despite legal beef consumption, the Act maintains bans on cattle slaughter and beef sale in certain areas, emphasizing the state's cultural sensitivities.

(With inputs from agencies.)