ODISHA TO BAN LIQUOR?
Odisha’s Minister for Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Nityananda Gond said that the newly-formed BJP government in the state is keen on banning liquor.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday on the sidelines of International Day against drug abuse, he said that the state will be made liquor free in a phased manner. He added that the government is committed to addressing alcohol addiction, citing its detrimental impact on people’s lives and society.
“Liquor has been prohibited in several states. Our government is also dedicated to this cause,” Gond said. “We will initiate necessary measures to stop the sale of liquor and drugs after consulting with the Excise and other relevant departments. Our objective is to achieve a liquor-free Odisha in stages.”
Liquor is currently banned in the states of Gujarat, Bihar, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
Odisha had earlier enacted the Orissa Prohibition Act, 1956, to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and consumption of liquor and drugs. However, the act has not yet been officially notified.
In 2022, the Orissa High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) from 2013 that sought to enforce the 1956 act. The court took into account the state government’s argument that a complete ban might lead to a rise in illicit liquor and illegal drug use, potentially undermining the objective of reducing alcohol consumption.
Earlier, rumours were afloat on social media about a state-wide liquor ban in Odisha, beginning August 15, Independence Day. It said that the government would ban India Made Foreign Liquor and country liquor.
The state’s Information and Public Relations Department dismissed the claims calling it false and misleading, and urged people not to spread and share fake news.
2024-06-27T16:50:04Z dg43tfdfdgfd