Bihar Stands Firm on Prohibition Despite Massive Revenue Loss

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to its alcohol ban, dismissing the staggering 20,000 crore rupee revenue shortfall as a secondary concern. Defending the policy as a pillar of social stability, he insists that protecting women from the fallout of alcoholism remains the government's primary mandate.

Editorial·September 8, 2026·reads: 2,422

Bihar Stands Firm on Prohibition Despite Massive Revenue Loss

The prohibition, which took root under the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act of 2016, remains a centerpiece of the state's legislative identity. Despite the financial drain on the treasury, Chaudhary maintains that the policy enjoys deep-seated support among the female population, who were the original advocates for the crackdown. The Prohibition and Excise Department has been tasked with enforcing these strictures since the initial gazette notification in December 2015.

While critics frequently point to the economic vacuum left by the lost excise revenue, the administration portrays the trade-off as a necessary investment in public welfare. By prioritizing long-term social health over immediate fiscal intake, the current leadership continues the trajectory established by Nitish Kumar, positioning the ban as a non-negotiable standard for the state’s social fabric.