No new liquor shops in Odisha for next 3 years in anti-addiction push

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that no new liquor shops will open in the state for the next three years, while calling for the eradication of substance abuse. He said the government would continue with a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and other intoxicating substances.

Speaking at the public awareness programme 'Jiban Jindabad-2.0' organised by the Police Commissionerate on Sunday, Majhi said substance abuse destroys not only an individual’s life but also affects families and society. He also launched a special website of the Police Commissionerate dedicated to the 'Drug-free India' initiative.

He said, “No new liquor shops will open in Odisha for the next three years.”

Majhi said substance abuse has become a primary factor behind most heinous crimes and violence against women. He told the gathering that 2.60 lakh to 2.80 lakh people die every year due to alcohol consumption alone. “It is a matter of grave concern that Odisha ranks second in the list of fatalities resulting from drunk driving,” the Chief Minister said.

He directed the state police and excise administration to take stricter and more proactive action not only against alcohol but also against high-risk drugs such as cannabis, opium and synthetic drugs.

Highlighting the steps taken by the state government, Majhi said local administrations have been made accountable for the illicit liquor trade and the sale of spurious liquor.

He added that the production and sale of tobacco and nicotine-laced pan masala and gutkha have been completely banned, and that school and college campuses have been declared substance-free zones.

The Chief Minister used the programme to underline the state government’s anti-drug and anti-liquor abuse measures, including tighter enforcement, restrictions on liquor outlets and steps to keep educational campuses free of intoxicating substances.