Bihar to ban sale of meat, fish near educational and religious institutions to 'prevent violent tendencies among children'

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The Bihar government will prohibit the open sale of meat and fish near educational and religious institutions, citing health, social and environmental concerns, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said on Monday.

Speaking in Patna, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said the move follows deliberations under the Urban Development Department and discussions held with intellectuals during the Jankalyan Samvad.

“This is a new initiative of the new government. The changing face of Bihar is clearly visible. We held a meeting under the Urban Development Department. We took seriously the issues raised in the meeting with intellectuals under the Jankalyan Samvad,” Sinha said.

He added that the restrictions are being introduced keeping multiple concerns in mind. “From a health perspective, for social interaction, and to prevent violent tendencies among children, we will ban the sale of meat and fish near educational and religious institutions, and in crowded open spaces,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister clarified that the government’s decision is not aimed at regulating food habits but at ensuring public order and hygiene standards. “People should follow the rules beyond this. We have no problem with the food, but strict measures have been taken to ensure that social interaction and the spirit of purity are not violated, no one's sentiments are hurt, and the environment is not polluted,” he added.

The announcement comes in the backdrop of a letter issued by the Urban Development and Housing Department’s Principal Secretary regarding the open sale of meat and fish. Further details on implementation and enforcement are awaited.