The Maharashtra government has reconstituted taluka-level committees to intensify the crackdown on the manufacture and sale of illicit liquor, while establishing direct accountability for the officer-in-charge of the local police station and the state excise inspector of the respective jurisdiction regarding any illegal liquor activity in their area.
Background of the Committees
These committees were originally formed in 2005 to monitor and prevent illicit liquor production and sales through regular reviews at the taluka level. In a Government Resolution (GR) issued on Monday, the state announced that the panels have been restructured in accordance with the provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, under which preventive powers in prohibition matters are vested with the sub-divisional officer and the sub-divisional magistrate.
Revised Structure and Responsibilities
Under the revised structure, the sub-divisional magistrate will head the committee, with the sub-divisional police officer, deputy superintendent of state excise, tehsildar, the concerned police station in-charge, and the state excise inspector among its members. The committee is tasked with monitoring whether the government orders issued from time to time for curbing illicit liquor activities are being strictly implemented. The officer-in-charge of the concerned police station and the inspector of the State Excise Department shall be held responsible for matters relating to illegal liquor activities.
Jurisdiction and Meeting Frequency
The committee's jurisdiction covers the entire taluka, irrespective of the number of police stations in the area. It is directed to meet at least once every month to review the enforcement of prohibition measures and recommend steps to eliminate illicit country liquor operations.
Directives for Enforcement
The government resolution also directed the director general of Police and the commissioner of state excise to issue immediate instructions to subordinate offices to ensure stricter enforcement against illegal liquor activities across the state.
