By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: De-addiction Day was celebrated at the convention hall in the secretariat of the state capital, Patna. The event, organised by the Bihar government, recognised the commendable contributions of district magistrates from Patna, Aurangabad, Gopalganj, and Banka in enforcing prohibition laws. Vaishali Superintendent of Police (SP) Hari Kishor Singh and Sitamarhi SP Manoj Tiwari were also honoured with citations for their efforts.
The programme saw participation from Bihar Prohibition and Excise Minister Ratnesh Sada, Chief Secretary Amritlal Meena, Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar, and representatives of Jeevika Didis. Discussions highlighted the successes and challenges of the prohibition campaign, with the Prohibition and Excise Department describing the liquor ban as a landmark achievement.
Minister Ratnesh Sada lauded the department’s initiatives, stating, “Liquor prohibition in Bihar is a complete success. Resources have been provided, awareness campaigns conducted, and liquor mafias monitored through drones. Compensation of ₹16.24 crore has been given to the families of 156 victims of alcohol-related incidents.”
DGP Alok Kumar emphasised the importance of awareness in the de-addiction campaign, noting that more than 2.55 crore litres of alcohol had been confiscated by October 2024. Over 42,924 liquor suppliers were arrested, including 13,000 from other states, and fines were imposed on four Punjab-based companies.
Chief Secretary Amritlal Meena highlighted the campaign’s scale, revealing that eight lakh cases were registered and 13 lakh arrests made. “Alcohol prohibition is a social movement, and efforts like those by Jeevika Didis are crucial in its success,” he remarked.
The event reaffirmed the government’s commitment to battling the social evil of alcohol and making prohibition in Bihar a sustainable reality.
