Nitish Kumar hints at amending prohibition law

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday gave an indication of a possible amendment to the prohibition law to prevent its misuse, especially by government officials.

“People in the government machinery are taking advantage of the provisions under prohibition law but they are under scanner…the poor and downtrodden who were earlier engaged in liquor business have been given alternative means of livelihood and are happy”, said Mr. Kumar while addressing a youth conference organized by JD(U) on the occasion of World Environment Day in Patna on Tuesday.

Mr Kumar further said that he would keep reviewing every aspect of prohibition but “the matter of prohibition law is before Supreme Court now.”

Earlier too, while introducing the prohibition law in April 2016, I had sought opinion and feedback from people and political parties too, Mr. Kumar said.

“I’ve been regularly monitoring it as well…it has benefitted a large section of the society, especially the poor and downtrodden segment,” asserted Mr Kumar.

Over 1 lakh arrested in two years

According to the records, as many as 1,41,861 people have been arrested under the stringent prohibition law since April 2016 in the State. Over 8,000 are in jail.

The police and excise department officials have conducted 7,62, 416 raids while 1,17, 283 cases have been lodged. Total 20.47 lakh litres of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and 9.25 lakh litres of country-made liquor have been seized.

The stringent prohibition law has been under constant attack by opposition parties and a section of society but Mr Kumar said, “I’m willing to face all the criticism and consequences of my actions.”

Courtesy: The Hindu