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, news agency PTI reported. 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 place where I had spent my childhood was free from the vice. When I came to Patna to pursue an engineering degree, the rented accommodation where I stayed had people in the neighbourhood who drank and created nuisance," the septuagenarian politician was quoted by PTI in its report.
He recalled the state's brief tryst with prohibition under the reign of his mentor, Karpoori Thakur, who became chief minister as the head of the Janata Party in the 1970s.
"But the government did not last for more than two years and the ban on liquor was scrapped by the subsequent regime. We took the step in April, 2016, despite stiff opposition from many high and mighty. A survey conducted in 2018 showed the positive results," said Kumar.
"As per the survey, the loss in revenue was more than offset by the money people were saving and spending on improving their economic condition and ensuring better education for their children. Besides, there are studies by the World Health Organisation which enlist harmful effects of alcohol consumption, including fatal road accidents," said Kumar.
"I would urge the people here to consider a fresh survey which would give a fresh estimate of the impact of prohibition. Based on the findings, we would introduce fresh measures. But I must make it clear that prohibition is there to stay, for as long as I am in charge," asserted Kumar.
Nitish Defends Fresh Pitch For Special Category Status To Bihar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar defended his renewed push for special category status on Sunday, emphasising that, in addition to their own costs, states bear a sizable amount of the cost of national projects.
Kumar made the remarks during the JD(U)-organized 'Bhim Sansad' in Patna on the occasion of Constitution Day, in commemoration of Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar.
"We are followers of socialist icon Ram Manohar Lohia who had close ties with Ambedkar. Babasaheb and Lohia happen to be the five persons whom our party officially looks up to for inspiration, the other three being Mahatma Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan and (former Bihar CM) Karpoori Thakur", he was quoted by PTI in its report.
The state's longest-serving chief minister spoke about the many initiatives implemented under his watch to help the poorer sectors of society, including the recent increase in reservations for SCs, STs, OBCs, and very backward classes.
"We took the step after a caste survey which has brought to light that the state is home to 94 lakh poor families. We intend to undertake many more measures for poverty alleviation a reason why I intend to launch a fresh campaign for special status", said Kumar.
"I solicit the support of people of the state for my campaign. Our critics say the central government is providing us with enough assistance. It is nonsense. The Centre launches schemes and tries to get away with the entire credit while the states are made to bear 40 per cent of the expenses", alleged the JD(U) leader.