On the 11th day of the Bihar Assembly’s budget session, Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha announced a strict ban on the sale of meat and fish in open spaces across the state. He stated that only licensed shopkeepers will now be allowed to sell meat, and strict action will be taken against anyone violating the rules.
Sinha told the Assembly that adherence to the regulations will be mandatory, ensuring no one’s sentiments are hurt. “No one will sell meat on open streets. Only licensed vendors will be permitted, and strict action will be taken against defaulters,” he said.
The decision follows complaints raised during the recent Land Reform Public Welfare Dialogue held in Darbhanga, where citizens highlighted issues caused by open-air meat sales in municipal areas.
New Guidelines Issued
Obtaining a license will be mandatory for selling meat.
Shops must be covered with curtains or glass partitions.
Opening shops near schools, colleges, and religious places is prohibited.
Violations will attract fines up to ₹5,000.
Sinha added that the administration has been instructed to take strict action against illegal meat vendors and to relocate licensed shopkeepers to appropriate locations.
The move has been welcomed by BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh, who called it a step in the right direction for cleanliness and public health.
Although Bihar had previously prohibited open-air meat sales, the practice continued in several areas. With the new directives, the government plans to enforce the ban with full strictness.
