Madhya Pradesh Liquor Ban: The Madhya Pradesh government is gradually moving toward liquor prohibition, following Gujarat's lead, but simultaneously taking deliberate steps to boost milk sales. Speaking at an event celebrating "Lord Jugal Kishore Lok" in Panna, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav hinted at this transition, claiming that his administration has already outlawed the sale of liquor inside the municipal limits of 19 cities, with additional restrictions to come.
“Liquor destroys families. Our government is mulling over shutting down all liquor shops and replacing them with milk shops, as we are actively promoting animal husbandry, particularly cow protection, through various schemes across the state. In Indian tradition, a person who owns a cow is known as Gopal, while someone who cares for members of the cow’s family (kul in Hindi) -- the bovine -- is known as Gokul. Our goal is to establish as many ‘Aadarsh Vrindavan’ villages with a population of one lakh,” he said.
Yadav aims to enhance Madhya Pradesh's contribution to India's total milk output from 9% to 20%. In addition, cooperative milk procurement centres will be established to cover half of the state's area. Currently, there are only about 7000 such cooperatives. Beginning April 1, 2025, Madhya Pradesh would impose a total ban on the sale of liquor inside the municipal bounds of 19 designated "holy" cities, including Ujjain, the temple town.
At least, 47 composite alcohol outlets have been closed by the government as part of the prohibition, from April 1 of this year in 19 places, including 17 holy cities.
Composite stores have distinct outlets for Indian-made foreign booze and country liquor. The move, announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav following the ratification of the new tax policy, is projected to cost the state government an estimated Rs 450 crore in excise income.