Guwahati: The Mizoram government has announced its intention to re-evaluate the existing Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act 2019, which was implemented by the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) led government.
The Act, which enforces a blanket ban on the sale and consumption of liquor in the state, except for designated areas within three autonomous district councils in the southern region, will undergo scrutiny to determine its efficacy and potential for amendment.
State Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar conveyed this decision to the assembly on Wednesday, indicating that the current prohibition law is under evaluation and may be subject to revision if deemed necessary.
Responding to a query from opposition leader Lalchhandama Ralte of the Mizo National Front (MNF), Minister Hmar affirmed the government’s commitment to fortifying the excise and narcotics force. He disclosed plans to expeditiously fill vacant officer positions and procure essential resources such as vehicles, arms, and equipment vital for departmental investigations.
Efforts are also underway to enhance infrastructure facilities, including the upgrade of the excise department’s office building and staff quarters, Minister Hmar added.
The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Bill, 2019, which was passed by the state legislature in March 2019, heralded the enforcement of the prohibition law in May of the same year. This legislation prohibits various activities related to alcohol, encompassing import, export, transport, manufacture, possession, sale, and consumption across Mizoram, with exceptions limited to the aforementioned autonomous district councils.
The Act superseded the 2014 Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition & Control) Act, introduced by the erstwhile Congress government, which permitted the operation of wine shops in the state.
The issue of revisiting the prohibition law has sparked debates, particularly concerning Mizoram’s limited revenue sources and the adverse impacts of alcohol consumption, despite the state’s dry status. Mizoram Health Minister Lalrinpuii recently disclosed alarming statistics, revealing 438 alcohol-related deaths, including 77 women, recorded in the past 10 months since April last year.
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