The Odisha government will not permit any new liquor shops to open in the state for the next three years, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced while outlining a stricter approach to alcohol and drug abuse. Speaking at the public awareness programme ‘Jiban Jindabad-2.0’, organised by the Police Commissionerate, Majhi said the state government would maintain a “zero-tolerance” policy towards drugs and substance abuse and called for coordinated efforts by the police, excise authorities and local administrations to tackle the issue.
The chief minister said substance abuse can have serious consequences not only for individuals but also for families and society. Linking alcohol and drug consumption with criminal activity, Majhi said intoxicants contribute to several serious offences, including violence against women. He stressed the need for greater public awareness and stronger enforcement measures to reduce addiction and prevent substance-related crimes.
Majhi also highlighted concerns over alcohol-related fatalities, stating that alcohol consumption alone is responsible for between 2.60 lakh and 2.80 lakh deaths every year. He further pointed out that Odisha ranks second in the country in terms of fatalities caused by drunk driving, underlining the need for more stringent action against alcohol-impaired driving.
As part of the government’s broader anti-drug strategy, Majhi directed the Odisha Police and Excise Department to adopt stricter and more proactive measures against alcohol as well as high-risk substances, including cannabis, opium and synthetic drugs. The government’s decision to freeze the creation of new liquor shops for three years is expected to form an important part of its approach to controlling the availability of alcohol while addressing wider substance-abuse concerns.
→ Guala Closures Upgrades Alusnap Caps with Tamper-Evident Technology to Fight Spirits Counterfeiting→ Andhra Pradesh Government Extends Liquor Shop Renewal Deadline to September 23
The Odisha government has also introduced measures to curb the illegal liquor trade and the sale of spurious alcohol, with local administrations being held accountable for preventing such activities. Majhi said authorities would be expected to take stronger action against illicit production and distribution of liquor across the state.
In addition, the state has imposed a complete ban on the production and sale of tobacco- and nicotine-laced pan masala and gutkha. School and college campuses have also been declared “substance-free zones” as part of efforts to protect young people from exposure to alcohol, drugs and other addictive substances.
During the programme, the chief minister also launched a dedicated Police Commissionerate website under the broader ‘Drug-Free India’ initiative. The latest measures underline Odisha’s focus on preventing substance abuse through a combination of restrictions on new liquor outlets, stricter enforcement against illegal substances and greater public awareness.
About the Author
