Odisha witnessed 52 liquor-related deaths in previous govt’s tenure: Excise Minister

A shocking revelation was made in the Odisha Legislative Assembly when Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Saturday revealed that 52 people had lost their lives due to alcohol consumption during the tenure of the previous government. 

The disclosure has raised concerns over the impact of liquor consumption in the state and the measures needed to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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Sharp Rise in Liquor Revenue Over a Decade

The Excise Minister also provided data indicating a significant increase in revenue generated from the sale of liquor.

In 2014, the state earned Rs 2,038.79 crore from liquor sales. However, by 2024, this figure had surged to an astounding Rs7,756.14 crore. The massive growth in revenue underscores the expanding liquor market in Odisha, which has become a crucial source of income for the state government.

Excise Minister Highlights Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Trade

Apart from highlighting the financial growth, the Minister also addressed the government’s efforts to curb illegal liquor trading. 

Over the past three years, a total of 1,359 illicit liquor traders have been arrested across the state. The crackdown aims to tackle unauthorized liquor distribution, which has been a persistent issue leading to health hazards and illicit trade activities.