Beef relief

Caught between violently conflicting voices on the beef ban issue, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar put the controversy to rest in one masterstroke when he stated in the House that Goa will not run out of beef and is open to the option of procuring the meat from neighbouring states. The government till now was a silent spectator to the raging issue, even after Sadhvi Saraswati stoked controversy while attending a meeting of Hindu outfits in Goa saying those who consider eating beef as a status symbol should be hanged.
Parrikar's bold announcement that beef will not be off Goa's platter will clear the uncertainty that loomed over the issue. The chief minister said Goa Meat Complex can continue to slaughter animals, while adding that the option of getting beef from Belgaum or some other place is also open, so as to ensure that there is no shortage of beef. Parrikar also stated that there is no restriction on local beef traders bringing animals from the neighbouring State for slaughter at Goa Meat Complex. In an immediate reaction, Vishwa Hindu Parishad demanded the resignation of Parrikar over his remarks regarding beef consumption and tweeted saying BJP has become ‘Beef Joy Party'.
The chief minister till now had preferred the middle path, with BJP supporters expecting him to remain firm on the party's position, while on the other side the coalition partner Goa Forward, the meat traders' lobby and the minority community were screaming against a ban.
If importing is an option, then we need to have systems in place so that meat which reaches Goa is tested for quality and hygiene. There are cases where unauthorised persons are known to be carrying out inspection of meat being brought into Goa. Meat has to pass through stringent checks by a team of doctors. Sometimes it is not inspected by doctors, thus putting a question mark over the hygiene of the meat supplied for consumption. Labourers, bull attendants and veterinary assistants are believed to be carrying out inspection of meat outside the State, thus putting the health of consumers on the line. If Goa has to rely on a steady import of beef, due procedures need to be in place so that the consumer is not at any risk.
Secondly, the government will have to address the issue of gou rakshaks harassing cattle transporters. There are instances where the farmers are troubled in the name of cow protection. Parrikar has the backing of prime minister Narendra Modi who has asked states to crack the whip against cow vigilante groups.
At a time when the state and especially minority-dominated Salcete is confused over consumption of beef, the chief minister's statement will soothe sentiments down South, days after Parrikar mentioned that he will not ignore those who didn't give him a mandate.