Srinagar: A liquor paradox is developing in J & K as sales are emerging against the grain of the political parties that press for the prohibition, driven by the growing concerns about alcohol abuse in the region.
The Government’s Economic Survey Report presented at the Assembly last week projects a 4% increase in special tax revenues, which is expected to reach 2,000 million rupees in 2024-25. The increase is attributed to changes in policies, including strengthened monitoring mechanisms, transparent auctions for liquor expectations and a revised specialty framework.
However, in the heart of the political debate is the demand for prohibition. The PDP opposition has led the position, with MLA Fayaz Ahmad Mir presenting a bill to ban the “announcement, sale, purchase, consumption and manufacture of alcoholic beverages” in the region.
The NC of CM Omar Abdullah did the same, as did the independent legislator Sheikh Khurshid Ahmad.
BJP has also expressed its support, has long advocated liquor restrictions for a long time. In Jammu, the former president of J & K BJP, Ravinder Raina, had organized protests against alcohol sales.
The head of PDP and the daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija, launched a signature campaign last week to gather public support, promising to take it to each constituency in Kashmir. “We want J & K to be declared a dry state like Gujarat and Bihar,” said Iltija. “J & K is called the land of Rishis and his companions (Santos Sufí). We have our own sensibilities, culture and customs. That must be respected. “
While political temperatures increase, the new special tax policy published on February 15 adopts a dual approach. It recognizes the “harmful effects of alcohol consumption and drug abuse”, but also aims to provide a “selection of liquor brands and places for consumption.” Politics seeks to develop the liquor industry, promote local manufacturing and create job opportunities.
There are plans to establish spirits in tourist locations that generate income, particularly in government -owned facilities. The policy prohibits the importation of IMFL brands with a price of RS 600 or less than a bottle.
The former finance minister, Húseb Drabu, who opposed a liquor prohibition in 2016 for personal choice instead of loss of income, said the debate has evolved. Instead of a general prohibition, he suggested a gradual approach.
“An option could be prohibiting it only in the valley to start. In this way, income would also be protected since most of Jammu. The other face of this would be smuggled, especially in a state of tourism, ”said Drabu.