Beef vanishing from the platter during Christmas season is now a reality with beef shops closed over the weekend. This is so because of no supplies from Belagavi, Karnataka.
It may be recalled that the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill (2020) was passed on December 9 without a discussion. According to the bill, there will be a complete ban on the slaughter of cows in Karnataka. The bill proposes stringent punishments which include imprisonment of minimum three years which can extend to seven years and a minimum of Rs 50,000 penalty which could extend to Rs 5 lakh. However on December 10, the Karnataka government deferred the enactment of the bill until the next legislature.
Incidentally, India is the second largest beef exporter in the world after Brazil. Beef happens to be the staple diet of several Goans. Its absence during the coming festive season will be felt not only by local beef-eaters but also by hotels and those in the hospitality industry. Though beef is also imported into the state from Maharashtra, the quantity is grossly insufficient to meet the daily needs. The Goa government needs to take necessary steps to address the issue as there is a spurt in the number of tourists visiting the state.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
