Guwahati, July 12: The much talked about cow protection legislation was on Monday introduced in the Assam Legislative Assembly by Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma on the first day of the month long Budget Session that has begun from Monday.

The government claims the bill will add legal provisions to deal with issues arising out of slaughter, consumption and transportation of cattle. The new bill proposes a ban over any transportation of cattle even for transit through Assam without permit, sale of beef in areas which are dominantly inhabited by non-beef eating communities and also bans sale of beef or beef products within five kilometre radius of temple or other Hindu religious places. If convicted under this new proposed law, one can be imprisoned for upto 8 years.

The bill will be debated in the floor of the Assembly in few days.

Here are 15 things that the new Bill proposes.

The Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021 proposes:

1. Cattle can be slaughtered only with Government permission only in licensed slaughterhouse (s).

2. Fit to Slaughter Certificate will be issued by government veterinary officers.

3. Certificates will be issued by government veterinary officers to designate the slaughter house location.

4. Cow and calf cannot be slaughtered.

5. Cattle above 14 years can be slaughtered.

6. Sale and buy of beef and beef products only allowed in places permitted to do so.

7. No permission for sale of beef and beef product in areas predominantly inhabited by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and other non-beef eating communities.

8. No sale of beef or beef products allowed with in 5 Km radius of any temple, satra, or other religious institutions belonging to Hindu religion.

9. For enforcement, police officer should not be below the rank of sub inspector and registered Veterinary officers. They can enter and inspect any premises if there is a reason to believe that an offense under the act is likely to be committed.

10. No transportation of cattle without permit.

11. No transit of cattle through Assam for other states without permit.

12. No bail for accused unless Public Prosecutor has been given an opportunity of being heard on bail petition.

13. If convicted under the new proposed law, a person will be imprisoned for 3 to 8 years.

14. Fine to be imposed between Rs. 3 to 5 lakhs.

15. Cattle can be slaughtered for religious occasions.