Prohibition supporters want state to implement Bihar model

Chandrapur: Pioneer of anti-liquor movement in Chandrapur, Paromita Goswamihas criticized the government for ineffective implementation of the liquor ban in Chandrapur. She has advised CM Devendra Fadnavis to take a cue from the effective mechanism by Bihar government for implementation of liquor ban in their state. Shramik Elgar organization led by Goswami has pointed out that Bihar government has amended its laws for effective implementation of liquor ban.The minimum punishment for smuggling, selling and drinking of liquor in Bihar is five years and maximum up to life term. All liquor related offences are dealt with at sessions court and law has been amended to deny bail to violators.
Collectors have been given powers to impound vehicles used for smuggling of liquor, Goswami said.
She claimed that while Bihar CM Nitish Kumar himself reviews the status of implementation of liquor ban every day through video conferencing, the administration in Chandrapur held only a single meeting in one whole year to take stock of prohibition here.
Goswami, who recently returned from Bihar, claimed that apart from police department, Bihar government has provided comprehensive powers to revenue, state excise and other departments to deal with prohibition related matters. Bihar government has also taken up de-addiction work seriously. Every distress call made on toll free number is dealt with seriously. Even patients admitted at de-addition centres are being given stipend to ensure they do not lose their livelihood.
On the contrary, Maharashtra government is intentionally overlooking the work of deaddiction in the dry districts of Chandrapur-Gadchiroli and Wardha, she charged. Poor response from government and administration here has only helped illegal liquor sellers and they have now become bold enough to carry out acid attacks, and thrash and molest women anti-liquor workers, she lamented.
Goswami demanded immediate amendment of the Mumbai Prohibition Act, 1958, on the grounds of Bihar government, to deter liquor smugglers in dry districts here. Similarly, she called upon the government to come up with the clear policy on liquor in the state. She also called upon the government to stand up to the promise made about establishing special force led by SP rank officer to supervise implementation of prohibition in Chandrapur. Goswami demanded establishment of forensic labs in all three dry districts. She also urged for committees at village and mohalla level, followed by those on tehsil and district level, as promised when the prohibition was being promulgated in Chandrapur.