Life of people can’t be put at risk by abruptly banning liquor : Bhupesh

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday said that his government was not in favour of abruptly banning liquor as it may put life of people at risk , reiterating commitment to fulfill election promise for blanket ban on liquor in entire Chhattisgarh except tribal dominated areas,
Replying to a supplementary question of former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, over liquor ban, during question hour in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, the CM said that his government was committed towards complete ban on liquor in Chhattisgarh except areas that are included in fifth schedule but it cannot be done abruptly.
According to Mr Baghel, the promises in election manifesto were made for the period of five years and banning liquor was one of the important commitments of his government therefore, it would be implemented soon.
A study team would visit all the states where liquor is prohibited and also the states where liquor was banned earlier but later the it was withdrawn, Baghel stated.
A meeting of all political parties would be convened on the issue during the ongoing session, Mr Baghel further said.
The decision on prohibiting liquor would be taken on consultation with social organisations, the CM further stated.
He remarked that nobody could ever imagine what his government had shown by procuring paddy at support price of Rs 2500 per quintal.
Earlier   Jogi said that Congress in its manifesto had promised of banning liquor in the areas except tribal areas of state.
He said that before including this promise in manifesto the party might have discussed this at length with all the sides and considered its pros and cons. Now, after the government has been formed what is the logic behind forming study team?
According to him, the liquor is ruining Chhattisgarh because children, aged persons and even women are consuming it.
Liquor should be banned to check ruining of state, he emphasised.
Earlier in reply to main question of BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar on this issue, it was informed that report of study team that was formed for liquor ban during previous government was received on December 10, 2018.
The Chief Minister said that new study team would be formed on consultation with ruling and opposition sides and social organisations.
Chandrakar alleged that old study team’s recommendation to increase number of liquor shops was being politicised even as the committee made some positive suggestions.(UNI)