Liquor ban in Odisha unrealistic now, says Excise Minister Damodar Rout

The State Government on Wednesday said the total prohibition of liquor in Odisha is not a realistic approach.

In reply to a question of BJP MLA Dilip Ray, the Excise Minister of State, Dr Damodar Rout said this in the State Legislative Assembly .

Rout further said that the State Government has provisions to regulate the use of liquor in the State and a ban would only encourage illegal alcohol sale.

Sources said, the State Government has set a target to collect Rs 3,200 crore as excise revenue in 2016-17.