Patna: The Bihar government on June 11 held a high-level review meeting to assess the implementation of the state’s prohibition law and issued a series of directives aimed at strengthening enforcement against illicit liquor manufacturing, storage and smuggling.
The meeting was chaired by Bihar’s Prohibition, Excise and Registration Minister, Madan Sahni, and attended by senior officials from the excise department, police, border security agencies, railways and airport authorities.
According to an official press release, the meeting reviewed the current status of prohibition enforcement across the state and discussed measures to improve inter-departmental coordination and public participation in awareness campaigns.
Focus on Seized Liquor Disposal
During the meeting, the minister directed all concerned agencies to accelerate the destruction of seized illicit liquor and ensure strict implementation of prohibition laws through coordinated action.
He instructed officials to set time-bound targets for achieving 100 per cent destruction of seized liquor stocks across all districts. The move is aimed at reducing the backlog of confiscated liquor and improving compliance with enforcement procedures.
The minister also ordered regular verification and inspection of malkhanas to ensure transparency in the storage and disposal of seized materials.
Action Against Smuggling Networks
The government directed authorities to intensify action against organised liquor smuggling networks operating within and outside the state.
Officials were instructed to identify major smugglers and kingpins involved in the illicit liquor trade and initiate strict legal proceedings, including the registration of FIRs wherever required.
The meeting also emphasised strengthening surveillance at border areas and check-posts. Authorities were asked to conduct thorough inspections of heavy vehicles entering Bihar and launch special drives to intercept illicit liquor consignments before they cross into the state.
Railways and Airport Asked to Enhance Monitoring
To address liquor smuggling through rail routes, the minister directed railway authorities and enforcement agencies to carry out coordinated inspection drives on trains entering Bihar.
Special monitoring teams will conduct regular checks on major services, including the Rajdhani Express and Tejas Express, along with other key passenger trains.
The Director of Patna Airport was also asked to launch a public awareness campaign informing air passengers about Bihar’s prohibition law. The campaign will include signage, digital displays and public announcements within the airport premises.
Coordination and Awareness Measures
Officials at the meeting agreed to further strengthen information-sharing mechanisms among departments involved in prohibition enforcement.
The government also stressed the importance of increasing public participation in awareness programmes aimed at supporting prohibition efforts.
According to the minister, the Bihar government remains committed to enforcing the liquor ban and creating a drug-free society. He said strict action against violations of the prohibition law would continue across the state.
