Bihar Government Urged to Reassess Prohibition Policy Inspired by Gujarat Model

Patna, August 9: Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) patron Jitan Ram Manjhi has once again called for a review of the prohibition policy in Bihar. He urged Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary to consider implementing a prohibition model similar to that of Gujarat.

While addressing the national executive meeting of the HAM youth wing in Patna, Manjhi stated that the intent behind the prohibition law is commendable, but its execution faces numerous challenges. He alleged that irregularities are evident in the enforcement of this law at both police and administrative levels.

Manjhi expressed his desire to communicate his concerns to Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and the Bihar government through the media. He cited Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, as an example where prohibition is in place, yet citizens do not encounter the same issues and frustrations seen in Bihar.

The HAM leader has long advocated for a prohibition system in Bihar akin to that of Gujarat. According to Manjhi, the government should enhance monitoring systems and administrative accountability to prevent officials from misusing the prohibition law.

Despite being part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Manjhi has repeatedly questioned the implementation of Bihar’s prohibition policy. He previously claimed that the law disproportionately targets the poor and marginalized, while influential individuals often evade its consequences.

However, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has already made it clear that the complete prohibition policy in the state will not be revoked and will continue to be enforced in Bihar.

Meanwhile, discussions regarding the economic implications of the state’s prohibition policy are also underway. A research report by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has raised questions about whether Bihar’s prohibition has fully achieved its objectives. The report also examines the economic impacts of this policy.

According to the study, if prohibition were lifted, Bihar’s internal revenue could increase by approximately 14 to 15 percent. The report further indicates that the government is currently incurring significant expenses to enforce prohibition and curb illegal liquor trade. Ending prohibition could lead to a reduction in these costs.

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