Bihar, India's poorest state, implemented a statewide alcohol prohibition in 2016. The policy aimed to mitigate issues such as addiction, domestic violence, and financial instability within families. Initiated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar following advocacy from women's groups, the law was identified as a contributing factor to the Janata Dal (United) - Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance's recent state election success.
Enforcement Data and Trends
Official data indicates significant enforcement activity since the law's inception, with 1.1 million cases registered and 650,000 convictions for violations. However, an analysis reveals that over 99% of these convictions pertain to alcohol consumption rather than its production, sale, or transportation. Illicit alcohol continues to be accessible in Bihar's black market. In the six-week period prior to the recent state election, illegal alcohol valued at over 522 million rupees ($6.26 million; £4.96 million) was confiscated across the state.
Challenges in Implementation
Enforcement efforts encounter multiple challenges. Observations during law enforcement operations suggest that illegal alcohol producers are frequently alerted to impending raids, enabling them to evade capture. For example, a raid on an illegal distillery near Patna found the site recently active but deserted upon officer arrival. Local police attribute ongoing difficulties to factors including personnel shortages, evolving smuggling tactics, and potential complicity between illicit alcohol manufacturers and certain authorities.
Ratnesh Sada, a former minister responsible for prohibition, acknowledged that the existence of severe penalties does not eliminate crime. Sunil Kumar, an excise official, stated that illegal setups, once dismantled, are often operational again within days. Bihar's geographical location also complicates enforcement, as it shares borders with states where alcohol is legal (Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal) and a 726km porous border with Nepal, both of which serve as conduits for smuggled alcohol.
Societal Impact and Perspectives
Despite these challenges, many women in Bihar express support for the continuation of the ban, citing past experiences with alcohol abuse. Individuals such as Lalmunni Devi and Neetu Devi, who lost their husbands to toxic liquor, advocate for the complete eradication of illicit production. Research from a government study, conducted by anthropologist Rajeev Kamal Kumar, indicates that some women and elders report improved household finances, children's education, and nutrition due to the prohibition, while also acknowledging the persistence of illegal trade.