Patna, Apr 16 (PTI) Two days after Nitish Kumar resigned as Bihar Chief Minister, Rashtriya Lok Morcha MLA Madhav Anand on Thursday called for a comprehensive review of the liquor ban in the state, citing revenue losses.
In 2016, the Bihar government enforced a complete ban on the manufacture, trade, storage, transportation, sale, and consumption of liquor and intoxicants in the state.
Talking to reporters, Anand said in a “landlocked state like Bihar, which faces a revenue shortage”, the government had shown “enough courage” in implementing and continuing the prohibition law for a decade.
“Owing to the law, Bihar’s money is being drained to other states and Nepal. The state is facing a significant revenue loss. Ten years is a long time, and we should now hold a comprehensive review of the liquor law,” he said.
He claimed that people have become more aware and educated about the ill-effects of liquor consumption, and emphasised the need to further strengthen awareness rather than continue with blanket prohibition.
“When this decision was taken, what was the status of education in Bihar? Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, a lot of work was done to strengthen the education system and promote awareness regarding liquor consumption,” Anand said.
Anand had raised the issue even during the Budget session of the Assembly, attracting protracted reactions from fellow legislators.
“I had raised the demand for a comprehensive review of the liquor law in the Assembly in the presence of then CM Nitish Kumar ji. Many people criticised me, while some supported me quietly and appreciated my courage for raising the issue before the CM. However, I expressed my opinion with seriousness then, and I am doing the same now,” he said. PTI SUK MNB
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