Karnataka Govt ban on sale of arrack to begin tonight

Bangalore, June 30 (UNI) The Janata Dal (Secular)and Bharatiya Janata Party Coalition Government's decision to ban sale of arrack in Karnataka will come into effect tonight resulting in closure of 15,248 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 the ban 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, he said.

The note said Excise officials would initiate stringent measures against those preparing and selling illicit liquor and fake arrack and spurious brandy and habitual offenders dealt with under the Goonda Act, he warned.

Mr Chikmath said the government had cleared a proposal to set 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