Patna, February 19 The Bihar government on Thursday rejected demands to review the decade-old prohibition law, stating that the ban on liquor was implemented after consulting all parties.
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and RLM MLA Madhav Anand, both members of the ruling NDA, had sought a review of the policy, arguing that it has caused significant financial losses to the state.
State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said, "The law was passed in the state legislature after consulting all parties. There is no need to review it."
Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary also dismissed the demands for a review of the law.
"The prohibition law is working as intended. There is no need to review it," he said.
Manjhi, the founder of HAM (S), had on Wednesday said that the prohibition has caused significant economic losses to the state government.
"Despite the ban, the delivery of expensive liquor from neighboring states is rampant. This is draining the state's finances, which needs serious consideration," he said.
"While the wealthy can afford expensive liquor without any difficulty, the poor end up drinking poison. This is particularly affecting the Dalit community, especially the Bhuiya Musahars, whose lifespan is being shortened," he claimed.
Anand, the MLA of Madhubani, claimed that raising awareness against liquor consumption could be more effective than a blanket ban.
"Whether the law should remain or not is a separate matter and is the prerogative of the Cabinet. However, my observation is that the state is facing significant revenue losses due to the law," he said.
"The loss of revenue, the impact of prohibition on public health, its correlation with a decrease in crime rates, and the shift of youth towards drugs and other synthetic intoxicants need to be comprehensively reviewed," he added.