Odisha SSEPD Minister Nityananda Gond voiced approval for a ban on alcohol, indicating that the government would consider the practicality of enforcing prohibition within the state.
Gond mentioned that some states have already banned liquor and stated that the Odisha government would develop a plan for a liquor-free state. He expressed intentions to consult with the excise department on this matter during a program on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Gond highlighted the potential of a liquor ban to foster a healthier society.
“Alcohol addiction is ruining lives and shattering families. Our govt will be looking to make Odisha free of liquor. Steps will be taken to bring down consumption of drugs in the state,” Gond stated
In contrast to the minister’s statements, the excise department clarified that the government currently has no intentions to implement a liquor ban in the state. A senior officer from the department stated that there have been no discussions or proposals put forward by the new government regarding prohibition.f
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Recently, the State Information & Public Relations (I&PR) Department clarified that rumors about a statewide liquor ban starting from August 15 were false, after a viral social media post on the issue. During a recent election campaign in Deogarh district, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had mentioned that the BJP would regulate the sale of country liquor if elected to power in Odisha. Currently, Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, and Nagaland have completely banned the manufacture and sale of liquor.
Odisha heavily relies on revenue from liquor sales, with excise revenue increasing significantly from Rs 1,379.91 crore in 2012-13 to Rs 6,455 crore in 2022-23, marking a 367% rise. Despite a dip in 2020-21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, revenue showed continuous growth, with a notable 36.39% increase in 2021-22 to Rs 5,528.41 crore compared to Rs 4,053.51 crore in the previous year. The primary sources of excise revenue are duty on India-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and beer. Odisha has 1,163 foreign liquor ‘off’ shops, 702 ‘on’ shops, 19 ‘on’ clubs, 56 beer parlors, and 36 military canteens contributing to these revenues.
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