Country-made liquor banned considering public opinion: Nitish Kumar

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the ban on production, sale, and consumption of country-made liquor in Bihar has been imposed in deference to the sentiment of the people and claimed there was an atmosphere of joy among women, children and other sections of the society over the decision.

Buoyed by the public response to the ban he stated it has become some sort of mass movement and said total prohibition will be imposed in urban areas too, but in a phased manner.

He was speaking at a function at Rajgir town in his native Nalanda district.

Seeking to extend the pledge taken by all members of both the Houses of Bihar legislature earlier this week against the consumption of liquor, Kumar said the police department will take oath on April 4, to be followed by other departments the next day.

Spelling out the state government's programme to dissuade people from consuming liquor, he said one de-addiction centre will be set up in each district.

In a stern warning to those producing illicit liquor, the Chief Minister said the Excise Act which came into force on March 30 last has provisions up to death penalty.