RLM MLA calls for review of Bihar’s prohibition – ‘Time for review’

This study material analyzes the recent call for a review of Bihar's prohibition policy, highlighting its implications for governance, social justice, and state politics.

Background

Bihar's prohibition policy, which bans the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol, was implemented by the Nitish Kumar government and came into force on April 1, 2016. It was considered one of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's "landmark decisions" aimed at social reform. The policy has now completed 10 years, making its effectiveness and impact a subject of intense debate and political scrutiny. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, which includes CM Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and other allies, is currently facing internal differences over this policy.

Key Points

• Call for Review: Madhav Anand, an MLA from Madhubani representing the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) (a ruling ally in the NDA), publicly urged the Bihar government to review the 10-year-old prohibition policy. He stated that it's time to assess if the law is truly working.
• Opposition Support: Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, have long criticized the prohibition law and welcomed the RLM MLA's call for a review.
  • RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari highlighted that data suggests liquor bans have not succeeded globally and pointed to the policy's negative consequences in Bihar.
  • Congress spokesperson Asit Nath Tiwari also supported the review, citing the widespread sale of country-made liquor despite the ban.
• Economic Impact: The opposition claims that the prohibition policy has fueled a significant illegal liquor trade, estimated to be a parallel economy of Rs 25,000 crore in Bihar. This illegal trade reportedly involves women and children.
• Social and Human Cost:
  • Hooch tragedies (deaths due to consumption of illicit liquor) have claimed over 400 lives in Bihar over the last 10 years.
  • The policy has led to a massive increase in arrests, with almost a fourth of the state's prisoners currently jailed for prohibition-related cases.
  • A significant demographic impact: 80-90 percent of those jailed under liquor-related offenses belong to Dalit, Extremely Backward Class (EBC), and Other Backward Class (OBC) sections, which form a major voter base for the NDA.
• Government's Stance:
  • Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary downplayed the remarks, stating there was "no question of recalling the liquor law."
  • Bihar Prohibition and Excise Department Minister Madan Sahani affirmed that the government "keep[s] reviewing the liquor law from time to time" and would take action against any errant police officers.
• Policy Amendments: The Nitish Kumar government has already introduced three sets of amendments to the original law to soften some of its stricter provisions, such as community fines and the arrest of all family members if one was found consuming liquor.
• Political Context: The call for review comes ahead of elections for five Bihar Rajya Sabha seats. RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha, a former Union Minister, is among the Rajya Sabha MPs whose terms are ending soon. Nominations for these elections are on February 26, with voting on March 16. The Congress suggested that Madhav Anand's remarks might be a tactic to pressure the BJP and JD(U) to renominate Upendra Kushwaha to the Rajya Sabha.

Exam Relevance

• GS-2: Polity and Governance
  • State Policies and Implementation: This case study highlights the challenges in implementing large-scale social policies like prohibition, including issues of enforcement, unintended consequences, and public acceptance.
  • Social Justice and Vulnerable Sections: The disproportionate impact of the policy on Dalit, EBC, and OBC communities raises questions about social justice, equitable application of law, and the need for inclusive policy-making.
  • Governance Challenges: Discuss the emergence of parallel economies, burden on the judicial and prison systems, and the role of law enforcement in implementing such policies.
  • Political Dynamics: The internal differences within the ruling NDA and the opposition's stance demonstrate the political complexities surrounding controversial state policies, especially in the context of upcoming elections.
• GS-1: Social Issues
  • Social Reform Movements: Analyze the historical context and effectiveness of state-led social reform initiatives, particularly those related to alcohol consumption.
  • Impact of Policies on Society: Examine the socio-economic effects of prohibition, including its impact on public health (hooch tragedies), family welfare, and crime rates.

Likely Question Angles:

1. "Critically evaluate the effectiveness of prohibition policies in India, with special reference to Bihar's experience. What are the socio-economic challenges and governance issues associated with such policies?"
2. "Discuss how state policies, even those aimed at social good, can disproportionately affect vulnerable sections of society. Illustrate with examples from Bihar's prohibition policy."
3. "Examine the role of political will and public support in the successful implementation of social reform policies. How do internal political dynamics influence policy reviews and amendments?"