: Wrong decisions of the Excise Department and corrupt practices of local excise officials are leading to the rampant sale of illegal country-made liquor and India-Made Foreign Liquor. This is leading to a surge in the rate of road accidents in the State.
Though the Supreme Court Road Safety Committee has issued specific guidelines to the State Government, road accidents are not being curbed, posing a huge risk to human life and property. Every day eight to ten people are killed in road mishaps in the State, said Orissa High Court lawyer and road safety expert Subrat Kumar Nanda in a letter to the Chief Secretary.
Due to the lax attitude of the concerned authorities, the number of Off shops are increasing in the State. After 2012 -2013 no new licences have been issued. Though the bars, according to the rules, can sell liquor on shop but sale of off-shore liquor is increasing with the cooperation of dishonest excise officials, alleged Nanda. This is violating the notification of the State Government (Notification No:1393,Date 28.03. 2022,Clause 4.2.39 (IV) ), alleged Nanda.
The State Government has given permission to On shops to lift 90 ml, 180ml and 375 ml, the bar owners are selling them Off shop.
Besides, Off Shops, whose licenses debar consumption of liquor on their premises, openly violate the norms. Almost all such shops near the highways are permitting consumption of liquor in their shops or in a room attached to their shop.
The opening of bars near the State and National Highways is leading to a surge in accidents and also law and order situations. For the benefit of the people these irregularities should be curbed, requested Nanda.