Madhya Pradesh Announces Liquor Ban in 17 Religious Cities

GG News Bureau
Bhopal, 24th Jan. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced a liquor ban in 17 cities considered significant from a religious perspective. The declaration was made during a program in Narsinghpur. Although the Chief Minister did not explicitly name the cities, it is widely believed that the affected areas include Ujjain, Orchha, Mandla, Maheshwar, Datia, Omkareshwar, Multai, Jabalpur, Nalkheda, Salkanpur, Chitrakoot, Mandsaur, Maihar, Barman Ghat, Panna, Sanchi, and Amarkantak.

Addressing the gathering, CM Yadav emphasized the impact of substance abuse on families and society. “We are committed to enforcing a complete liquor ban in these 17 religious cities. Liquor shops in these areas will be permanently closed,” he stated.

Implementation from April 1
The liquor ban is expected to come into effect on April 1, 2025. Mukesh Pandey, an excise inspector from Panna, explained that currently operational liquor shops will remain open until the end of the fiscal year under the existing excise policy. A new notification with an updated excise policy will define the specifics of the ban, including its exact boundaries.

Panna, one of the cities likely to be affected, currently generates ₹24 crore in revenue from liquor sales. Despite the financial implications, the government is moving forward with the initiative as part of its broader agenda to promote religious tourism and cultural preservation.

Religious Tourism and Cultural Development
CM Yadav announced plans to develop sites associated with Lord Krishna and Lord Ram into prominent religious tourism hubs. This initiative aims to enhance the spiritual significance of these locations while boosting local economies.

Support for Sports Development
During his visit to Gotegaon, the Chief Minister attended the ‘National Kabaddi Tournament,’ where he encouraged players and extended best wishes for their future. He also announced ₹11 lakh in support for the organizing sports committee and proposed hosting a Kabaddi League in the future. CM Yadav remarked, “The traditions of Kabaddi tournaments instill pride in us and reflect our cultural heritage.”

The announcement was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Member of Parliament Darshan Singh, MLAs Vishwanath Singh Patel and Mahendra Nagesh, and other notable personalities.