Go after smugglers, Patna holds key: CM
Prohibition was implemented at the call of women NITISH KUMAR, CM
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said that the implementation of liquor prohibition, which has enforced in the state in April 2016, was constantly improving but the police need to go after those involved in liquor smuggling.
“For those earlier associated with the liquor business in any way, the government had launched the sustainable livelihood scheme and the financial assistance under it has been increased from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1 lakh so that they could have viable alternatives like dairy, poultry, goat rearing etc. We will see what more the government can do. So far, 1.47 lakh families have availed the benefit. We have asked the officials to make it more popular so that the families don’t fall in the trap of liquor smugglers and have their own better livelihood alternative,” CM Kumar said while speaking at the Nasha Mukti Diwas function in Patna.
Kumar said the focus should be on Patna, as it holds the key to statewide success of prohibition. “If the police are alert, sale and smuggling of liquor cannot happen. Not more than 10 per cent of people are against prohibition. They need to be tackled effectively. Focus on those who are involved with the trade, not on the poor people or those who drink,” he said.
“Prohibition was implemented at the call of women. It has proved to be beneficial for the society. It’s is part of social reforms initiatives and it will go on,” he said.
Those present on the occasion included prohibition, excise and registration minister Sunil Kumar, state police chief and senior officials. Chief secretary Amir Subhani, in his address, said modern technology like drones is being used to destroy liquor mafia’s network.