A report recommends ending Bihar’s liquor ban. Why BJP will find it hard
A recent study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) recommends lifting Bihar's decade-long liquor ban, citing significant revenue losses and ineffective crime prevention. The report's findings indicate that prohibition has failed to curb crimes against women and has given rise to a parallel black liquor economy.
Both opposition and ruling parties have differing opinions on the ban. While the Opposition RJD, led by RJD spokesperson Subodh Kumar Mehta, supports the repeal, calling it an "utter failure," NDA allies like the BJP are mindful of potential backlash from former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The BJP acknowledges the revenue boost potential but is cautious about offending Kumar.
The study also highlights the creation of an illicit drug market and the rise in alternative intoxicants due to prohibition, urging Bihar to transition to a regulated sales model with excise taxes.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
