Bhubaneswar, June 26: Amidst a politically charged atmosphere in Odisha, the newly elected BJP government is planning to ban liquor in the state "in a phase-wise manner".  

Odisha's Minister for Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Nityananda Gond cited the society is being polluted due to liquor addiction.

“Liquor has been banned in several States. Efforts will be made to make Odisha liquor-free. Necessary measures will be taken in a phased manner following due consultation with Excise and other concerned departments,” Gond said.

Earlier, senior BJP leader and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan made a pledge to implement country liquor ban if the BJP comes to power in the State.

“If BJP comes to power in Odisha, we will ban country liquor. The manufacturing and distribution of country liquor will be banned. Restriction will be imposed on its licensing and marketing,” Pradhan had said during his campaigning trail in the recently concluded general elections.

Many unlicensed companies are allegedly selling country liquor illegally across the State. Consumption of liquor in high volume is reportedly one of the major challenges in the State as it continues to be a significant threat to health and social well-being.

Notably, World Drug Day is observed on June 26 every year to educate people about the harmful impact of drug abuse.

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