Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha says only licensed shops are allowed to operate, mandates curtains or tinted glass
PATNA — The Bihar government has banned the open sale of meat across the state ahead of Ramadan, saying that only licensed traders will be allowed to sell meat under strict rules.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha announced on Monday (February 16), stating that no one will be permitted to sell meat on roadsides or in open spaces. He said action would be taken against those who violate the order.
The decision has triggered debate in political circles and concern among members of the minority community, many of whom depend on small-scale meat businesses for their livelihood.
Speaking to the media, Vijay Kumar Sinha said the government would not allow any activity that could hurt social or religious sentiments.
“We will not allow anyone’s feelings to be hurt,” he said. “Any arrangement that affects social or religious sentiments will not be accepted.”
He added that official letters have been sent to all district administrations and municipal bodies to enforce the order strictly.
In the Legislative Council, the deputy chief minister clarified that a valid licence will now be mandatory for selling meat. “Only licensed traders will be able to run their business according to the rules. Open sale of meat anywhere in the state will not be allowed,” he said.
He also pointed out that action has already been taken in Darbhanga, where open meat sales have been stopped.
According to Sinha, the issue was discussed during a departmental meeting in Darbhanga. He said some residents had complained that due to certain roadside meat shops, passers-by had stopped using particular routes.
“During the public dialogue programme, people told us that in some places they had even stopped passing through those roads,” he said. “Our government does not believe in show politics. We take firm steps to solve problems.”
He added that the decision was necessary for cleanliness, public health and maintaining order.
Under the new rules, meat shops must be covered with curtains or dark glass so that meat is not visible from outside. Local authorities have been directed to increase monitoring and enforce compliance strictly.
The timing of the order, just before Ramadan, has led to unease among many Muslims, who say the move may affect their business and daily life.
A meat trader in Patna, requesting anonymity, said, “We are not against rules. If a licence is needed, we will apply. But the government should give us time and support. Many small sellers do not have the resources to immediately change their shops.”
Another trader said, “Ramadan is an important month for us. Business increases during this time. If strict action starts suddenly, it will hurt poor families.”
Some members of the minority community have also raised questions about safety.
A local community member said, “Will this order stop attacks by vigilante groups? If licensed shops are still targeted, who will protect us?”
Opposition leaders have echoed similar concerns, asking whether the order would address alleged harassment of meat sellers by certain groups in the past.
Bihar is not the first state to impose restrictions on open meat sales. Uttar Pradesh and some other states have already implemented strict rules.
In Uttar Pradesh, shops are not allowed to display or hang meat openly. Traders are required to install dark glass or heavy curtains to prevent meat from being visible to passers-by.
The Bihar government says its order follows similar lines, focusing on regulation rather than banning meat altogether.
While the government maintains that the order is about regulation, hygiene and public order, members of the minority community say the manner of implementation will decide its real impact.
“We only want fair treatment,” said a shopkeeper in Darbhanga. “If the rule is for everyone, it should be applied equally. Small traders should not be harassed.”
Community leaders have urged the administration to hold meetings with traders, simplify the licensing process and ensure that enforcement does not lead to discrimination.
As Ramadan approaches, attention will now turn to how district authorities implement the order on the ground, and whether the concerns of minority traders are addressed in practice.
