Debate Over Bihar's Liquor Ban Intensifies Amid Economic Concerns

The Bihar government has turned down demands to revisit its decade-old liquor prohibition law, asserting that it was enacted with consensus from all political factions. This follows concerns voiced by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and RLM MLA Madhav Anand, who highlighted significant financial losses attributed to the ban.

State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary reiterated that the law was legally passed in the state legislature and insisted that there is no requirement to reevaluate it. Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary supported this stance, affirming the prohibition's effectiveness and dismissing the calls for a review.

However, Manjhi pointed out that illegal home deliveries of liquor continue, adversely impacting lower-income communities. MLA Anand suggested that increasing awareness might be more effective than a total ban. Both leaders emphasized assessing the law's holistic impact, including revenue loss, public health, crime rates, and youth addiction trends.