Chief minister Nitish Kumar will embark on a “samaj sudhaar yatra” (social reform tour) across Bihar from December 22 to take stock of the effectiveness of the ban on liquor and inform people about the adverse effects of alcohol consumption.

He is touting it as a campaign against liquor.

“I am going to start the campaign again (against liquor) from December 22. I will visit everywhere. Around 90 per cent people have nothing to do with liquor, but there is some mischief in the remaining 10 per cent. They need to be controlled. Currently, raids are being conducted and arrests are being made,” Nitish said at Jainagar in Madhubani district on Friday after launching a Rs 731-crore project to construct a barrage over Kamla Balan river and strengthen its embankments.

The chief minister reminded the women present in the audience that he had implemented prohibition on their demand and sought their support to make it successful.

“Our government has empowered you all (women) through various means. It is time you start doing rounds to check liquor consumption. You all should stay alert on this issue, agitate and protest wherever liquor is made. I will focus on awakening the women during my tour,” Nitish said.

The chief minister’s tour will start from Motihari in East Champaran district and continue till January 15, encompassing all nine administrative divisions. At least one public meeting will be held in each of the divisions.

Nitish will also hold official meetings in which, besides prohibition, he will review dowry and child marriage eradication, law and order, alternative livelihood arrangements for the families adversely affected by the liquor ban, tap water supply, construction of lanes, drains, toilets, and procurement of paddy from farmers.

This will be the thirteenth tour of the state by Nitish in his 16-year tenure.

The chief secretary, director general of police, additional chief secretary (home department), additional chief secretary (prohibition and excise), and other senior officials will accompany Nitish at the public meetings and review meetings.

A letter issued by the state cabinet secretariat department has requested various ministers for their presence at the review meetings and directed senior officials to come fully prepared.