In recent developments, the Maharashtra government has decided to lift the liquor ban in the Chandrapur district. According to sources, the decision has been taken in order to curb the illegal sale of alcohol in the district.
The issue of alcohol boycott in Chandrapur has been the subject of discussion and debate for the last several days. Social activists had opposed lifting the boycott. However, in Chandrapur, several political leaders were demanding lifting the ban citing various reasons such as an increase in the sale of illicit liquor, sale of counterfeit liquor, resulting in deaths of citizens and increase in crime during the embargo, smuggling of liquor and inclusion of youth to name a few. Speaking about the same, Congress leader and minister Vijay Vadettiwar had also demanded the lifting of the alcohol ban.
Meanwhile, amidst the alcohol ban, the revenue of the government reportedly declined by INR 345 crores. On the other hand, there are more than 500 licensed shops in the district. In addition, there are 320 wine bars, 110 local liquor shops, 24 wine shops, 50 beer shops and 8 palm shops.
In the past, the state government spearheaded by BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis had declared a boycott on April 1, 2015. `After that, during the Mahavikas Aghadi government, there was a movement to lift the embargo again. Furthermore, a committee was then set up to study the embargo after which the decision to lift the ban was imposed.
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