Bihar Government to Provide Rs 2 Crore Relief for Hooch Deaths
The Nitish Kumar government has taken a significant U-turn and is now working towards providing monetary compensation to the families of those who lost their lives due to consuming spurious liquor in Bihar. The government has decided to grant Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each of the 53 victims who tragically passed away in Nalanda and East Champaran districts this year.
The state police headquarters released an official statement on Friday, stating that a total of Rs 2.1 crore will be disbursed as compensation to the families of the victims. The necessary report for distributing the compensation has already been prepared, and the funds will be provided to the families soon.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed through postmortem reports that 41 people had died under mysterious circumstances in East Champaran, while 12 lost their lives in Nalanda due to consuming toxic liquor. The affected families in other districts will also receive compensation gradually. Everyone will receive compensation, one by one, announced JD(U) national general secretary Rajib Ranjan.
It is essential to note that Bihar has been under total prohibition since April 2016. Initially, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar rejected demands from the BJP and Left parties to compensate the bereaved families, stating, Those who drink liquor will die. However, in a change of heart in April this year, he declared that compensation would be provided if the families of the deceased could provide verifiable evidence of hooch-related deaths and disclose the source of the liquor.
With this decision, the state government aims to address the aftermath of the tragic incidents and ensure the families of the victims are financially supported. The move also signifies a shift in the CM’s stance on providing compensation in such cases.
The compensation announcement from the Bihar government brings a sense of relief to the affected families, who have been dealing with the loss of their loved ones. While the decision has been welcomed by many, it is crucial to continue addressing the issue of illegal liquor and taking steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
By providing compensation, the government acknowledges its responsibility in ensuring the wellbeing of its citizens. This act of support not only offers some solace to the victims’ families but also sends a message that the government stands by its people during times of crisis.
Moving forward, it is imperative for the authorities to tackle the root cause of the hooch deaths – the production and sale of illicit liquor. Strict enforcement measures, awareness campaigns, and enhancing law enforcement capabilities can play a pivotal role in eradicating this menace. Only through comprehensive efforts can Bihar ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
In conclusion, the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has initiated efforts to provide financial compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the 53 victims who lost their lives due to consuming spurious liquor. The decision to offer relief to the affected families comes after a change of heart from the CM, who had initially rejected the demand for compensation. While this step provides some relief to the victims’ families, it is essential to address the larger issue of illegal liquor production and sale to prevent such tragedies in the future.
