Karnataka Government to ban Sale of Arrack from tomorrow

Bangalore, Jun 30 (UNI) Janata Dal (Secular) and Bharatiya Janata Party Coalition government's decision to ban sale of arrack in Karnataka will come into effect from tonight resulting in closure of 15248 arrack shops throughout the state.

Consequently, 19 arrack manufacturing units would be closed rendering around two lakh people jobless. However, Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who also holds the Finance portfolio, has assured that these people would be rehabilitated through other means.

According to a note issued by Excise Commissioner C R Chikmath here this evening, officials had been instructed to ensure effective implementation of ban on sale of arrack by adopting stringent measures. Since the ban was likely to result in increase in sale of Indian Made Liquor (IML), 15 new depots in addition to 45 depots were opened to meet the demand, the commissioner explained.

The note said the excise officials would initiate stringent measures against those indulging in preparing and selling of illicit liquor and fake arrack and spurious brandy, Habitual offenders would be dealt under the Goonda Act, he warned.

Mr Chikmath said the government had cleared a proposal to st up special police stations in all the taluks in this regard and create 4289 posts for the purpose. The proposal involved an investment of Rs 60 crore and a government order had already been insued, he added.

He said the government was also considering to reorganise the Excise department and create additional posts.

UNI