Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar, called for a new survey on the impact of prohibition, which his administration implemented in the state more than seven years ago. Kumar made the comment during a government gathering commemorating 'Nashamukti Diwas' (Deaddiction Day), which is observed on this date every year when government officials and other public figures commit to continue the state's fight against intoxicants. Kumar, the state's longest-serving chief minister, remembered his early encounters with alcohol that led to his aversion to it.

"The environment in which I had spent my childhood was free of vice." "When I came to patna to study engineering, the rented accommodation where I stayed had people in the neighbourhood who drank and caused a nuisance," the septuagenarian lawmaker explained. He recalled the state's brief flirtation with prohibition under the reign of his mentor, Karpoori Thakur, who became chief minister as the head of the Janata party in the 1970s.

"However, the government did not last more than two years, and the liquor ban was repealed by the subsequent regime." We made the move in april 2016, despite strong resistance from many high and powerful people. "A survey conducted in 2018 yielded positive results," Kumar stated.

"According to the survey, the revenue loss was more than offset by the money people saved and spent on improving their economic situation and ensuring a better education for their children." Furthermore, the World health Organisation has conducted research that show the detrimental impacts of alcohol intake, including deadly traffic accidents," Kumar explained.

"I would urge everyone here to consider conducting a new survey to determine the impact of prohibition." We would implement new measures based on the findings. But I must state unequivocally that prohibition is going to stay for as long as I am in charge," Kumar stated.
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Nitish Kumar

G GOWTHAM

27/11/2023 09:27 AM