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Nagpur: A Morcha was taken out by the women from Buldana and Yavatmal to ban liquor in both the places. Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule opined that it is important to identify and prevent sale of illicit liquor. The existing shops and liquor vends in the village should be removed from the village limits.
According to State Excise Minister, Social Activist Anna Hazare had made some suggestions to ban liquor in the state. The Maharashtra Government intends to adopt the suggestions. A decision has been taken to constitute a Gram Suraksha Dal in every village. On a pilot project, the Gram Suraksha Dal will be constituted in all those areas in Vidarbha where the liquor ban is in place including Wardha, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli.
Taking a vote on the issue, if 25% women vote against liquor in Gram Panchayat or Gram Sabha, then the Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) or Tehsildar will have to constitute and start the Gram Suraksha Dal in that village. The Gram Suraksha Dal will have powers to send all the illicit and liquor vends outside the village limits.
Guardian Minister also said that it seemed that banning liquor was impossible task, but now with this decision to start the Gram Suraksha Dal, this aim of banning liquor seems possible.
On December 15, 2016 the Supreme Court had ordered closure of all liquor shops along national and state highways across the country and directed all governments to “cease and desist” from issuing excise licenses. He said that the Law Department is studying the order and soon a rule will be made and passed.
As of date, anyone who has a Liquor License to buy and drink liquor worth Rs 100/-, he or she could 12 Bottles of 750 ml, however, henceforth he or she can buy and drink only get 2 bottles of 750 ml.
