‘Opposition, economic concerns expected to shape heated debates’
Diplomat Special Correspondent
Srinagar (DD): The first budget session of the newly formed Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) government is set to commence on March 3, 2025, with the spotlight on private member bills seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir. The upcoming session is expected to be marked by intense political debates, with the proposed prohibition laws drawing strong reactions from various stakeholders.
Legislators from both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the NC have introduced bills aimed at banning the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
Leading the charge, PDP MLA Fayaz Ahmad Mir from Kupwara submitted a detailed bill on February 10, emphasizing the growing alcohol consumption trend in J&K and its potential long-term consequences. “If this is not curbed now, it will prove disastrous in the coming years,” his bill states, urging the assembly to take immediate legislative action.
Similarly, NC legislator Ahsan Pardesi has introduced a bill highlighting that a ban on liquor aligns with Kashmir’s cultural, religious, and social ethos, rooted in Sufi-Reshi traditions. The proposal has gained the backing of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), with senior Congress leader G N Monga supporting the move, citing the need to curb addiction and protect the region’s moral fabric.
While the proponents of the ban argue that alcohol is eroding social values and contributing to addiction issues, critics warn that such a move could have significant economic repercussions. The liquor industry in J&K contributes substantial revenue to the exchequer, and a blanket ban could impact tourism, employment, and state earnings.
The stance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition, remains a crucial factor in the upcoming debate. While the BJP has supported liquor prohibition in some other states, it has also advocated for a balanced approach that considers revenue loss and illegal trade concerns.
Jammu and Kashmir earns hundreds of crores annually from alcohol sales, making it a significant source of state revenue. A complete ban could not only affect government earnings but also lead to illegal trade, bootlegging, and underground liquor markets—issues that states like Bihar and Gujarat have faced after imposing prohibition laws.
Additionally, concerns are being raised about the impact on the hospitality and tourism sector, particularly in Jammu, which has a thriving liquor trade catering to pilgrims, tourists, and locals.
As the budget session unfolds, the liquor ban bills are expected to spark one of the most polarizing debates in J&K’s legislative history. While supporters argue for moral, cultural, and health benefits, opponents will likely push back on economic grounds. The final outcome will depend on political negotiations, economic considerations, and public sentiment, making this a defining moment for the Omar Abdullah-led government.
With tensions already running high, all eyes will be on the J&K Assembly floor on March 3, as lawmakers prepare for one of the most consequential policy debates in recent years.(DD)