Bihar previously attempted to enforce a blanket alcohol ban in the late 70s, but failed due to pervasive smuggling from other states. Alcohol is also banned in Nagaland, Manipur and Lakshwadeep. In case the ban is implemented, Bihar will be the fifth State to implement prohibition. After protests and a decision by the High Court, bars were later allowed to sell beer and wine as well.
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It was not immediately clear whether a possible ban would include all alcohol or be limited to homemade or country liquor. The State will lose the revenue of Rs 4000 crores by way of excise tax.
According to reports, Bihar gets almost ₹3,500 crore as revenue from the sale of liquor.
The CM has appreciated the anti-liquor campaign launched by women and has also said the government will award those villages which will help it in its drive against liquor-so there is some hope for women. Even blindness is very common for the few who survive the consumption of such lots.
Kumar intends to start implementing the prohibition legislation from 1 April 2016. All the States had to abondon the prohibition as total failure and booster of illicit liquor criminal trade.
The I&PRD should be strengthened to make it more effective for dissemination of information related to state government’s works, schemes and projects among the people to enable them to take maximum benefits, Kumar told officials at the review meeting, Principal Secretary (I&PRD) Pratyaya Amrit told reporters.
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Asked if any worldwide gang was involved in the crime, the SP said, “At this point of time, no possibility can be ruled out”.
