Anti Crime Sectors

The Uttar Pradesh government has set up 399 anti-crime sectors at the tehsil level, as per reports on the 24^th of May 2017. These have been set in 75 districts to keep a check on the manufacture and sale of illicit liquor in the State and to prevent sale of liquor at a price more than the MRP.   

Why was this action taken?

The major reason why this set up was enforced was because illicit liquor has caused several deaths in the past. Many people have also lost their eyesight after consuming it. This is because illicit liquor is an alcoholic beverage which is made under unlicensed conditions. Sub standard raw materials are used and hence it is cheap. It is locally brewed at illicit breweries and is sold at license less shops that escape paying tax, and hence can sell at cheap prices. 

Analysis

One fifth of most state government budgets are funded by alcohol and this share seems to go up every year. Two third of alcohol is unrecorded in India, mainly illicit liquor. This has a deteriorating effect on the society. Illicit liquor, being cheap, is majorly consumed by the poor and middle class families and is very popular in Indian villages.

Assessment

This step by the Uttar Pradesh government is towards the betterment of health of the citizens and also to abolish unlicensed liquor shops as they do not contribute revenue to the State. However, it is not free from the corrupt police officers and tax authorities who may accept bribe for this to continue. Another effective step that can be taken by the government to keep a check on the smuggled liquor is to take over liquor distribution in the State rather than granting license privately. The government can buy liquor from manufacturers and in turn sell it to shops, bars, etc. This will help the government to earn tax revenue, though it may incur the expenses of initial investment.