New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Dr Harshvardhan has said that the was open to the suggestions made by various groups on the cattle slaughter notification and that the matter was not a prestige issue with it. Amid a raging row over the order, Harshvardhan said, the intention behind the notification was not to harm any particular group, influence food habits or affect slaughter business.

Vardhan told media on the sidelines of a function on Sunday on the eve of World Environment Day in New Delhi that the suggestions that have been submitted will be reviewed.

The minister was asked if these representations were being reviewed and if the government was open to considering alternate views on the issue.

The row over beef eating and cattle trade has sparked a nationwide controversy and protests have been held in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. On 30th of last month, the Madras High Court had stayed for four weeks the enforcement of the notification banning sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter.