'Need Wider Consultation': Centre Withdraws Controversial Draft Livestock Bill 2023

The Centre has withdrawn the draft Live-stock and Live-stock Products [Importation and Exportation] Bill, 2023.

On 7 June, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying circulated the draft bill and requested public comments on it.

However, the proposed bill received sharp criticism from civil society.

As a result, the ministry issued an office memorandum on Tuesday (20 June), withdrawing the draft bill.

According to the memorandum, the pre-constitutional/pre-independence Central Act, the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898, needs to be aligned with contemporary requirements and prevailing circumstances related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as well as its extant Allocation of Business Rules, 1961.

The memorandum also notes that the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying's role is primarily to support the overall development of the animal husbandry sector by providing upgraded livestock health facilities, hygiene, and animal welfare aspects.

“However, during the consultation, it has been viewed that enough time is required to understand the proposed draft and to make further comments/suggestions. Further, the representations have been made expressing concerns on the proposed draft involving sensitivity and emotions with animal welfare and related aspects, and, hence, would need wider consultation,” said the memorandum issued by DAHD joint secretary G N Singh.

“Considering the aforesaid views and with the approval of the competent authority, the proposed draft Bill stands withdrawn,” it added.