Bihar Alcohol Ban 2026: Once again a big debate has erupted in Bihar regarding the complete prohibition law implemented in 2016. A new research report by the National Council of Applied Economic Research has claimed that despite the ban on liquor in the state, there has been no reduction in crimes against women. The report says that there is now enough data available over so many years to assess how effective this law actually was. According to the data, since 2016, there has been a continuous increase in the total cases registered against women in the state. As soon as this study came out, discussions have intensified across the state regarding the social and economic effects of prohibition.
Suggestion of huge increase in revenue and controlled sales
In this study report, it has been proposed to the Bihar government to end the policy of complete prohibition and instead start selling liquor in a controlled manner. The think tank says that by restoring the old excise system with new rules, the state's own revenue can increase significantly by about 14 to 15 percent. It has also been mentioned in detail in the report that after the complete ban, a huge network of illegal liquor manufacturing and smuggling has emerged in the state. Along with this, the trend of use of other intoxicants has increased among the youth and it has proved to be a big challenge for the administration to implement this law on the ground.
BJP preparing for review based on study
After this report of the think tank became public, the Bharatiya Janata Party has given a very strict response to the entire matter. BJP's Bihar spokesperson Kuntal Krishna said that his party keeps reviewing such research studies and suggestions from time to time. He clarified that the party will closely examine every aspect of this new report and the data given in it. Whatever facts emerge after the investigation, it will be decided on the basis of what further steps should be taken in the interest of the state and the public. This statement of BJP is indicating that the avenues for reconsidering the practical aspects of liquor ban are not completely closed.
RJD raised questions on the initial decision
On the other hand, Rashtriya Janata Dal has also shown a strong stance regarding the current form of this law. RJD leader Bhai Virendra said that his party does not support this form of prohibition at present. He said that when the Grand Alliance government led by Nitish Kumar had implemented it, it was implemented in a hurry without any ground survey or concrete preparation. Brother Virendra says that at that time his party was also a part of the government, but the plan was not prepared properly. He believes that due to this decision taken without preparation, many types of problems are arising today.
Growing political murmur regarding the future of law
Liquor ban in Bihar was such a collective decision which initially got full support from all political parties and voters. Women voters in particular considered it a revolutionary step towards social reform. However, in the last few years, deaths due to illicit liquor, increasing work pressure on the police and smuggling from neighboring states have raised questions on the policy. Now that a reputed think tank has presented clear figures related to crime and revenue, new equations have started forming in the political circles regarding the future of the prohibition law. In the coming days, it will be very interesting to see what stance the government takes on these new suggestions.
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