Sale of meat near educational institutions causes ‘violent tendencies’ in children: Bihar Deputy CM

The sale of meat and fish near religious places, educational institutions or crowded locations has been banned in Bihar to stop “violent tendencies” in children, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said while referring to a letter sent to municipal commissioners on meat shops operating in the open in urban areas.

”This is a new initiative of the new government. The changing face of Bihar is clearly visible. We held a meeting and we took seriously the issues raised… 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 on Sunday (February 22, 2026).

Mr. Sinha, also the Urban Development and Housing Department Minister, was referring to a letter sent by the department’s Principal Secretary Vinay Kumar.

The Minister, however, clarified that the State government has no objection to food preferences of people, but said that strict measures have been taken to ensure that “social interaction and the spirit of purity are not violated”. He said that “no one’s sentiments should be hurt, and the environment must not be polluted”.

Mr. Kumar had written to all municipal commissioners stating that illegal meat and fish shops are operating under various municipal bodies in violation of the provisions of Section 345 of the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007. However, he did not mention about “violent tendencies” in children caused by meat shops.

“Such shops are either operating without licences or the conditions of the licences have not been ensured. Furthermore, meat is being sold in the open and in unsanitary conditions, and dead animals are being displayed. It has also been observed that such shops are located near religious places, educational institutions, and other crowded public places,” the letter said.

Mr. Kumar directed the closure of shops operating without licences under Section 345(4) of the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007.

Last week, during the ongoing Budget session in the Bihar Assembly, Mr. Sinha had announced a ban on the open sale of meat and fish across all urban local bodies, saying it was done in view of public health, sanitation and public sentiment.

“During the Land Reforms meeting with the people in Darbhanga, many intellectuals and people from the different sections told me that it has become difficult to pass through roads due to illegal meat shops operating in the city. Then we discussed this issue in the department and directions were given to the municipal authorities,” Mr. Sinha had said in the Assembly.