India’s poorest state, Bihar, has recently had a hard time implementing its alcohol statewide prohibition. This proactive ban was enacted nine years ago to address addiction, domestic violence, and financial instability among these prior excluded families. It was in 2016 that this ban was enforced by then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This was in direct response to years of tireless advocacy from women’s organizations specifically working to combat the growing problem of alcohol-related violence. Even with all these measures, illegal alcohol sales continue to flourish, further muddying the state’s campaign for sobriety.
Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently celebrated a conservative victory in state elections. This win spotlighted the political clout of the alcohol ban. The recent election campaign was centered largely around this key topic. It demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing the social ills linked to excessive alcohol use. Yet the law encounters brutal realities in enforcement.
Since the ban on the public sale or possession of plastics came into effect, authorities have logged almost 1.1 million cases with around 650,000 convictions for breaking the law. Importantly, more than 99 percent of these convictions are for consumption, not production or distribution of contraband liquor. This statistic further demonstrates how much law enforcement is going after consumers. Rather than address the root causes of unregistered alcohol manufacturing, they’re cracking down on consumers.
Bihar’s geographical landscape exacerbates these enforcement issues. The state shares its border with another three states of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal. These states permit liquor sales, and thus have become the largest markets for smuggled liquor. Bihar’s border with the Indian state of Nepal is very porous that scrapes 726 Km (449 miles) width. Officials have identified this border as the top route for whiskey smuggling into the state.
Lalmunni Devi, a local resident, expressed her sentiments regarding the impact of alcohol on families:
“I just hope no one else has to suffer the same fate.” – Lalmunni Devi
In the lead-up to the recently held elections, authorities confiscated illicit alcohol valued at over 522 million rupees (approximately $6.26 million). Since April, armed excise officers have conducted hundreds of raids across Patna. They’ve blown up illicit country-made liquor distilleries, cracking down even on those located at sugarcane processing facilities and on ad-hoc fermentation bases. Even with these efforts in place, such encampments return within days of being cleared.
Neetu Devi, another resident, emphasized the ongoing challenge of illegal production:
“If the government were to shut down all such factories entirely, it [liquor] would no longer be available. It continues to be produced, and that’s why people keep consuming it.” – Neetu Devi
Authorities have arrested or issued warrants for at least a hundred people connected to the illicit alcohol trade. They’ve illegally seized their properties too as part of this operation. Enforcement remains difficult. An unnamed officer noted that illegal operators often receive warnings before raids occur:
“They often get tipped off before a raid.” – An officer who didn’t wish to be named
Rajeev Kamal Kumar, a local analyst, remarked on the mixed results of the prohibition:
“Many women and elders say prohibition has improved household finances, children’s education, and nutrition. But it is undeniable that illegal trade continues.” – Rajeev Kamal Kumar
As for the fight against illegal alcohol sales, this is hardly the first state to try to do this. Numerous other Indian states have tried to pass such prohibitions over the years. In 1997, Mizoram enacted prohibition. The state removed the ban in 2015, reintroduced it in 2019, then relaxed it once more in 2022, allowing the production and sale of wine produced from in-state grapes.
Ratnesh Sada highlighted a broader perspective on laws and enforcement efficacy:
“There are laws that prescribe life imprisonment or even the death penalty for murder. But does that stop people from committing murder? No, it doesn’t.” – Ratnesh Sada