Lakshadweep collector defends changes proposed by administrator Praful Patel

Lakshadweep collector S Asker Ali has defended the draft legislations on beef ban and other contentious issues amid intensifying campaign against removal of the Union Territory’s administrator Praful Patel.

“Cow and cattle are not easily available in the islands while fish is readily available and more nutritional,” Ali told ET on the phone, referring to the ban on beef for midday meals at schools. The 2016 batch IAS officer blamed vested interests behind what he alleged was a campaign to portray Lakshadweep administration in a bad light. “At the time of finalising Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation (LDAR), 2021, we had received more than 800 letters from the islanders which were incorporated in the final draft,” he said.

The legislation proposes to change the existing land ownership on the island and provide for the development of towns in Lakshadweep. The draft law, along with five other regulations, is being opposed by political parties and locals from the islands demanding removal of Patel, a former BJP minister from Gujarat. The contentious clause in Panchayat Regulation, 2021, bars people with more than two children from becoming a member of the gram panchayat. Those who already have more than two children can contest provided they do not have further children.


Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act has also invited widespread opposition.