Fumes of failure

Prohibition is damaging Bihar in multiple ways

The death of over 70 people after consuming illicit liquor in Bihar offers a tragic reminder of why prohibition is, ultimately, an unworkable policy both as a social-welfare objective and in terms of the stability of state finances. Imposed in 2016 as part of a key electoral plank by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the policy proved popular with women — understandably, since they bear the brunt of their menfolk’s alcoholic proclivities as victims of domestic violence and squandered incomes. But the solution, of banning the consumption, manufacture, and sale of alcohol, has repeatedly proven to be worse than the problem.