Odisha to adopt zero-tolerance policy towards illicit liquor: Excise Minister

The Odisha government has intensified its efforts to eliminate the unlawful alcohol trade with the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy. 

Odisha Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday said that the state would initiate stringent measures against the sale of illegal liquor.

“The department is going to take concrete steps to check where illicit liquor sale is going on and at places illegal distilleries are operating. All such activities will be crushed. The department is brain storming on bringing radical changes in excise norms,” said Harichandan.

Policy Reforms in Discussion

The Minister further revealed that discussions are in progress to introduce specific reforms in the state's excise policy to curb illegal alcohol activities effectively. While the details of these prospective changes remain under wraps, the emphasis is on comprehensive measures to ensure strict enforcement.

Collaborative Approach to Tackle Drug Trafficking

To address the growing concerns of drug trafficking, the state government has outlined a collaborative strategy involving both the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Excise Department. This joint initiative aims to dismantle the networks facilitating the distribution of illicit substances across the state, the Minister said.

The state administration's move comes in response to increasing incidents of alcohol-related offences, highlighting the need for decisive action to maintain public safety and order.