Demands 'One Shop Per Person' Rule to Ensure Transparency in Liquor Trade
Ranchi, May 17 — Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi has strongly criticised the state's newly approved excise policy, labelling it as a "script for another scam" designed to benefit a privileged few. He has demanded a more equitable approach by limiting liquor shop ownership to one per person.The Hemant Soren-led government had, on Thursday, approved its third excise policy during its current tenure, permitting private entities to run liquor retail operations. As per the policy, a single individual can be allotted up to 12 liquor shops per district and as many as 36 statewide, with allocations to be decided via a lottery system.
“This is the third excise policy brought in by this government, and it clearly serves the interests of a select few,” Marandi stated during a press interaction. “The cap of 12 shops per district for a single person shows how the policy is tailored to favour certain players.”
BJP Questions Policy's Benefit to Youth and Small Entrepreneurs
Marandi asserted that the new excise model would fail to benefit unemployed youth, small business owners, or rural residents. He urged the state government to revise the policy and implement a ‘one shop per person’ rule to promote equal opportunity and transparency.“Jharkhand has 1,453 liquor outlets. A fair policy would generate local employment and empower individuals rather than concentrate control in the hands of a few,” he argued.
Special Provisions for Tribals and Women Demanded
Calling for inclusive measures, Marandi demanded that liquor shop licenses be allotted exclusively to tribal applicants in Scheduled Areas. He also highlighted the contribution of women involved in the traditional sale of hadia (a local rice-based brew) and suggested they be given preference in allotments.He further insisted that licensed liquor shops should be managed directly by the license holder, thereby discouraging proxy operations and promoting grassroots entrepreneurship.
As the new policy prepares to take effect, political opposition from the BJP signals the beginning of a contentious debate on the governance and transparency of liquor sales in Jharkhand.