Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has no such proposal to introduce a law for making the State liquor free, informed Excise Minister, Niranjan Pujari while replying to a starred question in the Assembly on Monday.

Responding to BJP MLA Nityananda Gond, Pujari stated "As there is no ban on the sale of liquor in neighbouring States, it might encourage inflow of liquor to Odisha illegally. There is every possibility of a rise in sale of illicit liquor and liquor traders might exploit such situation."

Meanwhile, members of both ruling and opposition parties expressed concerns over illegal sale of country-made liquor, opening of multiple liquor shops on single licence, adulteration of liquor and sale at a price higher than MRP.

Excise Minister Niranjan Pujari, however, stated that multi-disciplinary squad headed by Collectors has been formed in each district to check such issues and conduct regular enforcement activities.

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