Guwahati, Dec 4: In a landmark move, the Assam government has announced a ban on public beef consumption, expanding the scope of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021. Approved by the State Cabinet in a meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday, the amendment prohibits the consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants, public functions, and community festivals. Private functions may still serve beef, but further guidelines are expected during the upcoming legislative session.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that the decision was influenced by proposals from Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah and MP Rakibul Hussain, adding a political dimension to the move. “The Act was already stringent, but public consumption in festivals and hotels remained unregulated. This amendment closes that gap,” Sarma stated.

The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021 prohibits the slaughter of cows and regulates the slaughter of other cattle types. It also limits the sale of beef to locations at least 5 kilometres away from Hindu temples.

Sarma noted that the 2021 act was already stringent but lacked provisions banning public consumption of beef in festivals and hotels, which this new regulation addresses

While supporters hail it as a bold step in preserving Assam’s cultural fabric, critics argue it could affect livelihoods and infringe on culinary traditions. The Chief Minister has invited responses from Borah and Hussain, signaling that the political discourse around this issue is far from over.

The amendment reflects a broader national narrative around beef consumption regulation, positioning Assam at the forefront of India’s evolving cattle preservation policies.

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