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Bihar Liquor Ban - The Political Perspective


Whether you call it Nitish Kumar's masterstroke for gaining publicity and support of people or a responsible chief minister batting for people's interests, on the face of it, it is great that Bihar is free from alcohol abuse.
The Bihar excise (amendment) act, 2016 – a very old 1915 act has been converted into a very stringent law – is haunting the alcohol gang of Bihar. This law banned manufacturing, selling or consumption of liquors (strong or mild) and even prescribes the death penalty for the manufacturer, suppliers and sellers of hooch in case of death as a result of consumption of spurious liquors. Although Biharis can drink outside state boundary, they'll be punished if they create nuisance after returning home.

The government had actually proposed to ban only 'desi' liquors. The sale of non-country or ‘Indian Made Foreign Liquor’ (IMFL) was allowed, although, with some caveats. However, within five days, the government extended the ban to IMFL as well, making Bihar an absolutely alcohol-free state.

By taking this step, Nitish has taken a U-turn and rectified his earlier strategy. Yes, it was Nitish Kumar who allowed the liquor business to flourish in Bihar especially to the villages and semi-urban areas in order to increase revenues.  If we keep economy under consideration, without moral obligations, we'll find that Mr Kumar has made a big mistake. After all, Rs 4,000 crore, revenue is a major source of fund for a cash-starved government.

In the Bihar assembly election, 2015, Nitish Kumar had promised the caste-neutral constituency of women to ban liquors if he returned to power due to their persistent demand for it. The women voters were quite excited to about this topic. And, days after becoming Chief Minister again, Mr Kumar kept his promise with an announcement to Ban liquors showing once again that he is a "man of words".

The Government of India is running several campaigns to restrict the consumption of alcohol and other addictive substances. The government also levy a high tax on these items so that lack of money can be a reason for giving up this addiction. But, addiction is a very severe psychological disease. For a serious drunkard, alcohol is a matter of "life or death". Lack of money cannot diminish his cravings for alcohol.

By taking away alcohol from a hard-core alcoholic, it is like taking away his life. As addiction is not just a habit but a disease, therefore an alcohol addict need a proper medical care and psychological support to get out of this euphoria.

Other states should take the cue from Bihar and follow this model as soon as possible. Liquor was one of the primary sources for generating revenue. If cash deprived Bihar government can bear the monetary loss for a good social change, other states cannot make any excuse.

Also Read: Bihar Liquor Ban - Alcoholism and Society

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Comments

  1. Unknown1 June 2016 at 08:12

    I hope that doesnt lead to increased smuggling of liquor though!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Prasant3 June 2016 at 05:53

    It’s easier to get alcohol than food in Gujarat, with home-delivered bottles often a phone call away, thanks to small local suppliers, the Hindu reported last year. Do a simple search and you get the answer - http://www.livemint.com/Politics/PminUIJiL3vo0x8K45mgfM/How-Indian-states-have-fared-in-banning-alcohol.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amitesh Gupta3 June 2016 at 11:11

      Prasant, you are exaggerating things here. At least, we have a law that is empowering common people (the non-alcoholics) and curb the open sale of liquors!

      Delete
  3. Vinay Nagaraju3 June 2016 at 18:42

    Going the Gujarat way? This is interesting though. Shame that politics usually has such a large role to play in any of the decisions. I share the same fears as leena on this one though, the rise of smuggled and dangerous adulterated liquor

    ReplyDelete

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