New Delhi: The Ghaziabad district administration on April 2 reversed its decision to ban the sale of meat during Navratri and the Uttar Pradesh district administration on Monday clarified that the government has not issued any such orders.
On April 1, the Ghaziabad civic body said that the mayor had ordered meat shops to shut “to maintain cleanliness in temples”, adding that it would cover all five zones of the district.
The mayor, Asha Sharma, later said on April 2 that licensed meat shops can operate in compliance with state government orders.
District magistrate R.K. Singh told PTI that the mayor has amended her order and meat shops in Ghaziabad will remain open as per the guidelines of the government.
The Aligarh district had followed suit, with district panchayat chairman Vijay Singh issuing an order on April 2 asking all meat shops in areas falling under the jurisdiction of the zila panchayat to shut down “during the period of the Navratri festival”.
There are an estimated 100 meat shops in these areas. However, the order does not apply to the shops in Aligarh city.
In a statement issued to media, Singh warned that those shopkeepers who do not comply with the order will face action and their licenses would be revoked.
Uttar Pradesh’s additional chief secretary (information) Navneet Sehgal, however, clarified to news agency PTI that the government has not issued any orders banning the sale of meat.
It is unclear yet if Aligarh will also reverse its decision in light of the government’s claim.
(With PTI inputs)