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| What is Article 48 of Indian constitution |
Article 48 of the Indian Constitution is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) that deals with modernizing agriculture and protecting animals, especially by prohibiting cow slaughter.
📜 Text of Article 48 (Simplified)
“The State shall endeavour to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.”
✅ Key Elements of Article 48
| Focus Area | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Modern agriculture | Use scientific methods, improve productivity and farming techniques |
| Animal husbandry | Care for livestock using scientific and efficient practices |
| Preservation of breeds | Improve the quality of animals used in farming (like cows, buffaloes) |
| Ban on cow slaughter | State should prohibit killing of cows, calves, and working cattle |
🐄 Why Cow Protection?
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Cows are considered sacred in Hindu culture.
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Used for milk (milch cattle) and farm work (draught cattle).
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Protection is linked to religion, economy, and rural life.
⚖️ Implementation by States
India is a federal country, so laws on cow slaughter are made by individual states, not the central government.
| State | Cow Slaughter Law Status |
|---|---|
| Gujarat, UP, MP | Complete ban on cow slaughter |
| Kerala, West Bengal | Cow slaughter allowed under regulation |
| Northeast States | Mostly allow, depending on local customs |
📌 Summary of Article 48
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Directive Principle (not enforceable in court) |
| State’s Duty | Modernize agriculture and animal care |
| Special provision | Ban on cow and calf slaughter, protect working farm animals |
| Cultural relevance | Reflects the importance of cows in Indian society and economy |
Article 48A of the Indian Constitution is a Directive Principle of State Policy added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. It deals with the protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding forests and wildlife.
📜 Text of Article 48A (Simplified)
“The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.”
✅ Key Focus of Article 48A
| Area of Focus | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Environmental protection | The government must control pollution and maintain clean air, water, and land |
| Forest conservation | Preserve natural forests, promote afforestation and stop deforestation |
| Wildlife protection | Protect animals, birds, endangered species, and their natural habitats |
🌱 Why Article 48A Is Important
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Environmental issues like pollution, climate change, deforestation, and species extinction are threats to life.
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Article 48A reflects India’s commitment to sustainable development.
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Promotes harmony between development and nature conservation.
🛠️ Laws/Initiatives Based on Article 48A
| Law/Policy | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | Protect animals and birds from hunting and poaching |
| Forest Conservation Act, 1980 | Prevent deforestation and regulate use of forest land |
| Environment Protection Act, 1986 | Empower government to prevent, control and abate pollution |
| National Green Tribunal (NGT) | Special court for environment-related cases |
| Swachh Bharat Abhiyan | Clean India campaign |
📌 Summary of Article 48A
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of provision | Directive Principle of State Policy (non-justiciable) |
| Focus | Environment, forests, and wildlife |
| Government’s duty | Take steps for clean, green, and sustainable development |
| Added by | 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 |
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