The changes introduced by the Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Khoda Patel in the small island, have created furors among some local citizens and leaders. Some local islanders have alleged that the proposed reforms are detrimental to the traditional social, cultural and economic character of the Union territory.
What are proposed changes?
- The Lakshadweep Animal Preservation Regulation, 2021 bans slaughter of the cow, calf, bull and bullocks. Animals should be slaughtered only at places specified for the purpose. The sale and purchase of beef and beef products are banned under the proposed law.
- The draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation proposed to create Lakshadweep Development Authority and empowers the government to pick any land for development activities including building, engineering, mining, quarrying and other operations have been listed under development activities.
- The proposed Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2021 gives powers to detain a person without any public disclosure for a period of up to one year. As per reports, the island has a negligible crime rate.
- The draft Lakshadweep Panchayat Regulation, 2021 says if a resident has more than two children, he/she cannot contest a panchayat election.
- The Lakshadweep administration has diverted freight transit to Mangaluru, ending the trade ties between the islands and Kerala.
- The Lakshadweep administrator allowed sale of liquor at hotels and resorts in three islands to promote tourism. The Muslim majority island territory has remained a nonalcoholic zone for decades. Liquor sale was allowed only in Bangaram islands till now.
- The Lakshadweep administration has demolished huts erected by fishermen along the coastline alleging violation of Coastal Regulation Zone and Coast Guard Act.
About Lakshadweep
- Lakshadweep, the group of 36 islands is known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape.
- It is the smallest Union Territory and is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km.
- It is a uni-district Union Territory and comprises of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands.
- The islands have a total area of 32 sq km. The capital is Kavaratti.
- The largest of the inhabited islands is Androth with a landmass of 4.9 sq km area where the density of population is 2,312 per sq km.
- The most sparsely populated is Bitra island where 271 people live in a 0.10 sq km area.
