Politics of "Bans"-Musings -1

Bans are Slothful Governance  

Our political and social leaders continue to use Bans and Prohibitions even in the face of strong evidence of their ineffectiveness and in many cases bad and vicious outcomes.

Banning or prohibiting is politically and administratively easy; a stroke of pen literally, in response to pressure from any righteous group large enough to carry some political weight.

Our leaders are savvy politicians. The bans and prohibitions are useful and easy tools in the scramble for moral high ground, beneficial in electoral politics. And also help  to draw the attention away from their own failings and misdeeds.

 However, enforcing bans and prohibitions takes much administrative and managerial capacity and energy. The outcomes are questionable and we as a society keep lurching from one ban to the next without any succor.  

In addition many forces- largely the underground which is fundamentally inimical to the society are let loose. 

To confront and control ganglands evermore admin capacity and energy is expended. We generate a vicious cycle- a downward spiral. 

Clearly, bans and prohibitions don't work; at the minimum, do not achieve the stated objectives.

Is there a better way? Surely methods can be devised for better social and political and even economic ends.

We will have to analyze, understand and re-state the objectives sought to be achieved by of Bans and Prohibitions. 

Prohibition and Other Vices

Prohibition in Bihar 
Addiction to Liquor is a tragedy but criminalizing its use converts that tragedy into disaster, both for users and society. (paraphrased - Milton Friedman)

Sh Nitish Kumar has made these women very happy by enforcing Prohibition.  Patna High Court has struck down the law, being unconstitutional.  

We must remember that Liquor Prohibition leads to rise of organised crime, spurious liquor and smuggling. And a disaster is waiting to happen. 
One does not wish but many deaths are waiting to happen. Like this one :  

In principle, Prohibitions and bans don't work in a democracy, more so in a loosely administered, raucous one like ours.

The Govt must aim to create decent environment and culture around drinking and "Madhushala" such that the excesses that upset the women are avoided. And the revenue from the Liquor Industry is gainfully utilized for the sorely needed Development Works in the state. 

A way forward :

1)  Allow IMFL shops and bars in Hotels and Restaurants

a) aids tourism, one of the best employment generation industry.

b) The Bihar may put additional levy ensuring 10% higher prices than neighboring states.

c) Set standards and allow anyone who wants to open a bar.

2) Allow locally brewed liquor in licensed shops only :

a) Such liquor shops must have decent hygienic friendly environment for socializing, with eats

b) Socializing and eating together reduces the excesses and guilt associated with drinking liquors.

c) The Local women's groups be involved with the staff of local de-addition centers to moderate the drinking

3) Ensure certification of local liquors - at the brewery level.  

4) Use such revenue to establish certification centers in each district /Tehsil. (Again quality jobs for the young)

5) The Police may be provided with physical resources : vehicles, breathalyzers etc

6) Fund local level meetings of women and shop owners, certification centre employees and "Nashabandi Police" (adds jobs ) Now that GST is being implemented Excise officials dealing with Liquor may be re-trained.

This liquor ecosystem can create 100,000 jobs in tourism, police, certification and regulation.

    And make available a surplus of Rs 4000 Cr+ for the state