Alcohol Ban in 17 Religious Cities in Madhya Pradesh
The Madhya Pradesh government is set to impose a total alcohol ban in 17 religious cities, including Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. The decision will be made during the Cabinet meeting in Maheshwar on Friday, which will finalize the new alcohol policy. The ban is expected to be enforced starting April 1. The proposal includes the closure of 17 alcohol shops in Ujjain city, the most affected among all the cities. The government may also introduce a new alternative for government liquor.
Locations Affected by the Alcohol Ban
The alcohol ban will be implemented in the following locations:
- Municipal Corporation: Ujjain
- Municipalities: Mehara, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur
- Municipal Council: Orchha, Chitrakoot, Amarkantak, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Mandleshwar
- Gram Panchayat: Salaknapur, Bandakpur, Kundalpur, Baramankala, Linga, Baramankhurd
Revenue Loss and Compensation
According to estimates, the alcohol ban will result in a revenue loss of about 400 crore rupees. Currently, the total revenue is 13,941 crore rupees. However, the new policy is expected to increase the license fees by 20%, generating an additional 2,788 crore rupees. Despite the alcohol ban, the revenue could reach 16,329 crore rupees.
How the Loss Will Be Compensated
The renewal license fees for shops will be increased by 20%. Additionally, the renewal will be accepted only if 80% of the shops in a district renew their licenses at the higher rate. In districts where less than 80% renew, tenders will be issued instead.
Transfer Policy 2025
The government is set to introduce a new transfer policy in 2025, after four years. This will allow transfers to be made at any time of the year based on court orders, disability, illness, or other emergency requirements. In the future, the in-charge ministers will also have the authority to decide on transfers. The main transfer policy is expected to be introduced in April, after which the current ban on transfers will be lifted.