Lucknow, June 7 -- Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad on Sunday defended the Varanasi Municipal Corporation's decision to shift meat and fish shops outside the city limits, saying the move was aimed at better organisation and public health safety rather than shutting businesses down.

Speaking to ANI, Nishad said the government's responsibility was to establish a proper system while ensuring hygiene and safety standards.

"These shops are not being shut down but rather organised. It is better to ensure health safety. Establishing a proper system is the government's responsibility. I thank the government for taking this step," Nishad said.

The remarks came after the Varanasi Municipal Corporation decided to relocate meat and fish shops ...