NDA Allies Urge Review of Bihar's Liquor Prohibition Policy
NDA allies in Bihar call for review of liquor prohibition policy.
Key Facts
NDA allies in Bihar are urging Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to review the state's prohibition policy.
The prohibition policy has been in force since April 2016.
RLM leader Madhav Anand raised the issue in the State Assembly.
HAM-S leader Jitan Ram Manjhi also raised concerns about the policy's implementation.
JD-U leaders claim the policy is being reviewed periodically.
Allies emphasize the financial losses to the state exchequer due to illicit liquor trade.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - State Government policies and interventions
GS Paper III: Economy - Issues related to resource mobilization
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the effectiveness of prohibition
In Simple Words
Bihar's allies want the government to rethink its ban on alcohol. They say the ban is costing the state money because people are still buying liquor illegally. It's like trying to save water with a bucket that has holes.
India Angle
In India, many states struggle with balancing revenue from alcohol sales and the social problems it can cause. A liquor ban affects everyone from consumers to shopkeepers and the state's income.
For Instance
It's like when a building bans outside food; residents might still order it secretly, and the building loses potential revenue from its own cafeteria.
This matters because government policies affect your daily life, either by making things more expensive, less accessible, or changing the services available.
Policy without proper implementation can lead to unintended consequences.
Visual Insights
Bihar: Location of Liquor Prohibition Policy Review
Map highlighting Bihar, where NDA allies are urging a review of the state's liquor prohibition policy due to financial losses.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Recently, there has been increased scrutiny of prohibition policies in various states. Several reports have highlighted the financial implications and social consequences of these policies. For example, studies have pointed out the rise in bootlegging and the involvement of organized crime in states with prohibition. The debate has also extended to the impact on marginalized communities, who often bear the brunt of strict enforcement measures.
Looking ahead, there is a growing emphasis on evidence-based policymaking in this area. Some experts suggest exploring alternative strategies such as stricter regulation of alcohol sales, public awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation programs for alcohol addicts. The focus is shifting towards finding a balance between public health concerns and the practical challenges of implementing prohibition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key facts related to Bihar's liquor prohibition policy that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For the UPSC Prelims, remember that Bihar's prohibition policy has been in force since April 2016. Note that NDA allies are currently urging a review of this policy due to financial losses. Also, be aware that Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy mentions prohibition.
Exam Tip
Focus on the year the policy was implemented and the constitutional aspect related to prohibition.
2. What is the constitutional basis for a state government to implement a policy like liquor prohibition?
Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health. While this is a Directive Principle and not directly enforceable by the courts, it provides a guideline for state governments.
3. Why is Bihar's liquor prohibition policy in the news recently?
The policy is in the news because NDA allies in Bihar are urging Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to review it. They cite financial losses to the state exchequer due to the illicit liquor trade and highlight implementation flaws as key reasons for the review.
4. What are the potential pros and cons of Bihar's liquor prohibition policy?
Potential pros include reduced alcohol-related health issues and crime. Cons include financial losses to the state exchequer due to illicit liquor trade, increased bootlegging, and potential strain on law enforcement.
- •Pros: Reduced domestic violence
- •Pros: Improvement in public health
- •Cons: Loss of revenue for the state government
- •Cons: Rise in black marketing of liquor
5. What are the important personalities associated with the discussion around Bihar's liquor prohibition policy?
Key personalities include Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, RLM leader Madhav Anand, and HAM-S leader Jitan Ram Manjhi. These individuals have been vocal about the policy's review and its impact.
6. What reforms might be needed to address the concerns raised about Bihar's liquor prohibition policy?
Reforms could include stricter enforcement against illicit liquor trade, rehabilitation programs for those dependent on alcohol, and revision of excise policies to minimize revenue loss while discouraging alcohol consumption. Regular reviews of the policy's impact are also essential.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs): 1. DPSPs are enforceable by the courts in India. 2. Article 47 of the Constitution directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition. 3. DPSPs are borrowed from the Irish Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: DPSPs are non-justiciable, meaning they are not enforceable by the courts. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Article 47 directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition. Statement 3 is CORRECT: DPSPs are borrowed from the Irish Constitution. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
2. Which of the following subjects falls under the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
- A.Banking
- B.Defence
- C.Public Health
- D.Foreign Affairs
Show Answer
Answer: C
Public Health falls under the State List of the Seventh Schedule. Banking, Defence, and Foreign Affairs are subjects under the Union List. The State List empowers state governments to legislate on matters of regional importance, including public health and sanitation.
3. Assertion (A): Prohibition policies often lead to the growth of illicit liquor trade. Reason (R): High demand and limited legal supply create a black market for alcohol. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true, but R is false.
- D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Prohibition creates a gap between demand and legal supply, which is filled by the illicit liquor trade. This often leads to increased crime and health risks associated with unregulated alcohol production and distribution.
Source Articles
NDA allies urge Nitish Kumar to review Bihar’s liquor laws - The Hindu
Of Nitish, Lalu, and a time to be with the masses, again - The Hindu
DMK MPs urge Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu to advise Centre against NEET - The Hindu
Nitish Kumar’s U-turn in Bihar takes the sheen off INDIA bloc’s OBC narrative - Frontline
Nitish Kumar's political career timeline - The Hindu