Maharashtra-wide survey to determine effect of beef ban on traders

A Maharashtra state-wide survey is underway to find out the effect of the recent ban on the slaughter of bulls and sale or possession of its meat on those associated with the trade.

A Maharashtra state-wide survey is underway to find out the effect of the recent ban on the slaughter of bulls and sale or possession of its meat on those associated with the trade.

Commissioned by an association of beef traders in Mumbai, the survey will detail the impact in terms of the number of people affected directly or indirectly and the drastic change in livelihood, among other things.

A senior member of the association, on the condition of anonymity, told Hindustan Times, “The survey is confidential and thus we cannot disclose the name of the agency conducting it. But the study will be completed within a month. Most of the ground work is done. Using the figures, we will approach the court against the ban.”

The member said that the need of the survey was felt after various union members produced different estimations of the impact on traders. “Though all are working for the welfare of traders, there is difference of opinion within the unions,” he said.

On March 3, the 19-year-old state bill extending the ban on slaughter of cows and sale or possession of its meat to bulls, received the nod of President Pranab Mukherjee.

The ban was enforced from March 4, and, as a mark of protest, butchers did not slaughter even the legally allowed buffaloes for a month, leading to a shortage of meat in the market.

The strike was called off on March 31.

Some of the effects the survey will discuss include the number of people connected with various businesses in the bull slaughter trade, such as livestock sellers, meat traders, and leather traders. The survey will also find out what alternate sources of livelihood have these people sought after the ban.

The survey figures, the member said, are being collated in a centre in Pune.