The all-party delegation, formed by the Assam Legislative Assembly to inquire into the hooch tragedy that took place in Jorhat and Golaghat districts in February this year, has suggested total prohibition of liquor in the state.
“For the best interest of the state, the delegation is of the view that in near future total prohibition policy needs to be implemented in Assam as was done in a few states of the Northeast as well as in other states of the country,” said the delegation’s report which was submitted in the Assembly on Friday.
Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami had formed the all-party delegation soon after the incident with 22 House members to investigate the hooch tragedy in the two districts that claimed over 150 lives.
The delegation came down heavily on the state excise department.
It observed that the hooch tragedy “could not have occurred without connivance of some officials of the excise department”.
The delegation blamed the “carefree and irresponsible behaviour” of the officials.
“The delegation suggested that the excise department should amend its action and be more rigid to prevent the supply of illicit liquors in the state, especially in the tea garden areas,” the report added.
It also suggested that there should be regular reshuffle of officials in the department.
The delegation observed that some sections of the Assam Excise (Amendment) Act, 2018, have not been properly implemented.
It urged the state government to revamp its policy for providing licence to sell both local as well as foreign liquors.
“During its visit to the districts, the delegation found that some children lost their entire family in the tragic incident and left with nobody to look after them till they attain adulthood,” said the report, suggesting that the government should make all necessary arrangements for the livelihood, upbringing, education and good health of these children.
The delegation observed that there is a lack of awareness among the tea garden labourers regarding adverse affects of consumption of alcohol.
