Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said he wanted unanimity among all parties for the passage of the new prohibition law to be tabled in the Monsoon Session of the legislature. The new Act is being introduced to remove the loopholes and contradictions in the Act of 1915, he said while talking to media in the Assembly on Friday, the first day of the weeklong session.
“Once we decided to impose total prohibition, we have to make law accordingly. The draft has already been circulated and each member should study it in order to maintain unity on this issue,” he said.
The RJD supremo lalu Prasad a day earlier had expressed displeasure over the reports that the new law provided arrest of all the adult members of the family from where liquor is seized. “I believe this is only a rumour being spread by the Opposition,” said lalu and praised the Nitish Government for its decision to bring new Act. “Big decisions like prohibition cannot be implemented with weak laws. Strict law is necessary to introduce good causes,” he added.
The RJD chief also said that there would be no ban on sale and consumption of toddy and the law introduced by him in 1991 would remain implemented. That provision had barred sale and consumption of toddy near public places, educational institutions and places of worship.
The CM said some strict provisions have been incorporated in the new Act which enhanced quantum of punishment to the police and excise officials found falsely implicating innocent people. The other punishments were the same which had been introduced in the previous amended Act and there was no reason to brand it draconian. “Prohibition is a social issue and should not be politicised. The previous law was regulatory but the new one will be exclusively for prohibition,” he said and added that in April the amended Act had been passed by voice vote which send a positive message to the masses.
Reacting to lalu’s demand for 80 per cent reservation for locals in the State Government jobs, Nitish said he has no different opinion. On this important issue a decision could be taken only after thorough discussion and unanimity. “All political should be taken into confidence before taking a decision. locals should get priority and quota in Government jobs but the policy of freedom to the people to go and get jobs anywhere in the country should also continue,” said Nitish.
The CM was of the view that the domicile was a relevant issue and there is constitutional right to people living anywhere to seek job in any part of the country. But the situation was now changing in the light of the focus on regionalism and job opportunities to locals. “I have supported this issue in Jharkhand and if such an issue arises in Bihar how I can oppose it,” he added.
On the threat of floods, the CM said he made an aerial survey of the areas where rivers are in spate. “The flood threat is not because of rain in Bihar but in Nepal. The excess rainfall in Nepal leads to flooding of rivers in Bihar and may cause havoc in northern districts. Everything is being monitored at the level of Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary disaster management and all arrangements have been made for rescue and relief operation in wake of floods, he said.