Bihar Liquor ban: It has always been a matter of discussion since the introduction of prohibition in Bihar. While on one hand Chief Minister Nitish Kumar introduced it as a social reform, on the other hand this law seems to be causing illegal liquor mafia and increasing deaths in the state. Meanwhile, a political leader like Prashant Kishore has raised the demand for the removal of liquor ban. Come, let us know what are the benefits of prohibition applicable in Bihar and was this step correct?
What is the reality after 9 years of prohibition?
Liquor ban was implemented in Bihar in 2016 and after that the state government claimed that it aims to reduce domestic violence in the society and to ensure the safety of women. But after 9 years, the government’s reports tell the story of the failure of this law. Statistics confirm that liquor ban not only promoted illegal liquor business, but also caused many deaths. In 2023, 72,062 cases of liquor ban violation were reported, with 1,43,000 arrests. These figures give rise to a big question in themselves – was this step meaningful or not?
Increase in number of deaths due to alcohol
Government figures show that more than 266 deaths have occurred due to illegal liquor consumption. These deaths occurred when people were drinking illegal liquor from the neighboring states of Bihar (Jharkhand, UP, Nepal). Whereas, the availability of legitimate liquor in the state has been completely abolished, but the business of illegal liquor mafia is growing rapidly. Vinod Singh Gunjial, Secretary, Department of Alcohol Prohibition and Excise of Bihar, held a press conference held in Patna on 23 September 2024. According to the report of the Times of India from April 2016 to 31 August 2024, he informed about a total of 8,43,907 cases and 12.79 lakh arrests. Statistics show that by August 2024, more than 12.79 lakh arrests have been made and an average of 18 people are being arrested every hour. It is clear from these figures that the law of prohibition in Bihar is affecting only the poor and Dalit class, while mafia and liquor smugglers are flourishing.
Loss of revenue and corruption
There has been a huge loss of revenue due to prohibition. In 2015-16, Bihar had an excise revenue of Rs 4,000 crore, which is now zero. This is a major economic loss of the government, especially for those who were working in small businesses associated with the liquor industry. Meanwhile, corruption has also increased. Reports of police and excise department officials are constantly coming to the fore with mafia. The Patna High Court has also commented on the matter, describing it as “Draconian”.
Was the law of prohibition of alcohol wrong?
Prashant Kishore recently made a statement that if he comes to power, he would completely remove the prohibition. He said, “Illegal liquor mafia is flourishing, but the poor and the common man who is forced to drink alcohol is being killed and rotting in jails.” It was clear from his statement that alcohol ban is only having problems with the common people, while the mafia is working on its own free will.
Positive aspects of prohibition
While criticisms are being done for prohibition on one hand, survey reports like NFHS-5 have also told that the rate of drinking has decreased. Men have decreased by 41% and domestic violence has also decreased. However, these figures are self-reported, and there has been an increase in intake of illegal liquor and drugs (such as cannabis and smacks).
Will there be prohibition in Bihar?
From a political point of view, leaders like the opposition, especially RJD and Prashant Kishore have demanded the removal of liquor ban. At the same time, the government has made some amendments such as a penalty is imposed for the first time, but has refused to remove it completely. The figures and incidents about liquor ban in Bihar raise the question whether this law was correct? While the figures of the government talk about doing good work for social reforms, on the other hand, due to the increase in illegal liquor trade and corruption, there is a lot of pressure on the economic and social fabric of the state. Will the people of Bihar continue to ban liquor or remove this law by accepting the move of leaders like Prashant Kishore? This issue may resonate even more in the coming elections.
