After the total prohibition on country and spiced liquor in the countryside, the Nitish Kumar Government in Bihar may consider banning the sale of toddy in villages amid reports that people are turning towards toddy in big number after ban on liquor.
Excise Department Principal Secretary KK Pathak while interacting with District Magistrates (DMs) on Saturday evening gave this hint when some DMs told him that toddy tappers were doing brisk business after ban on country liquor. He also advised the DMs for some check on the sale of toddy and put some conditions.
However, neither in the new excise policy nor in the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was passed last week, there is no indication of any restriction or ban on toddy, the popular drink of poor people mainly OBCs and dalits.
Pathak has, however, not directed the district officials for any ban on toddy but reportedly suggested that some restrictions could be imposed on its sale and consumption. A restriction has already been imposed on its consumption at public places. There is also an apprehension that the toddy tappers might be mixing country liquor or other chemicals in the toddy.
The senior officials in the CM Secretariat feigned ignorance about the possibility of ban on toddy. One official even indicated of a social unrest in the countryside if such a ban was considered. Senior officials of the Excise Department were not available for comment because of Sunday.
It is to be recalled that toddy had been exempted from tax during the regime of lalu Prasad in early nineties on the plea that since this drink was used by very poor people, they could not pay tax. According to a survey of NSSO, Bihar is among four States where toddy is in high use but Andhra Pradesh tops the list and Bihar comes fourth after Kerala, Assam and Jharkhand.
There are reports that sale of toddy in villages has gone up and also the toddy tappers have increased its price in view of high demand. A 500 Ml bottle of toddy which earlier cost Rs 10 is now being sold at Rs 15, reports suggested.