It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to many deaths, reported and unreported, and causes a major problem for the district authorities. The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, arrests, police cases, criminal trials all these had only limited impact. The problem remains as serious as ever. Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes are economically, industrially and educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected by poor irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes among communities gave boost to illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken place in the past either from the government’s side or from social organizations to improve the lot of the people.
Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control? (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
Adopting a Comprehensive Approach to Combat Illicit Liquor in a Prohibition State
1. Understanding the Root Causes
Economic and Social Factors: The illicit liquor problem is deeply intertwined with the economic, industrial, and educational backwardness of the district. The lack of adequate irrigation and frequent community clashes create a fertile ground for illegal activities. This situation highlights that addressing the problem requires more than just enforcement; it needs a holistic approach that tackles the root causes.
2. Comprehensive Strategy
a. Community Engagement and Awareness:
b. Economic and Social Development:
c. Strengthening Enforcement and Legal Measures:
3. Recent Examples
In Tamil Nadu, the “Total Prohibition” policy was challenged by rampant illegal liquor trade. The state government responded by improving economic conditions through rural development programs and stricter enforcement, which resulted in a notable reduction in illegal activities.
Similarly, in Madhya Pradesh, efforts to curb illicit liquor included strengthening community policing and promoting local economic development. The combination of improved law enforcement and community engagement led to significant progress.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
Continuous Assessment: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented strategies. Gather feedback from the community and make necessary adjustments to ensure the approach remains effective and responsive to changing dynamics.
Conclusion
Addressing the issue of illicit liquor in a prohibition state requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond traditional law enforcement. By focusing on economic development, community engagement, and enhanced enforcement, it is possible to tackle the root causes and reduce the prevalence of illicit distillation, leading to a healthier and more stable community.
Model Answer
Introduction
As the newly appointed Superintendent of Police in a district plagued by illicit distillation of liquor, the challenge is to implement effective strategies that move beyond traditional law enforcement. The persistent issue of illicit liquor is deeply rooted in the socio-economic backwardness of the area, requiring a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying causes.
Body
1. Comprehensive Assessment
Conduct a detailed analysis of the factors contributing to illicit distillation, including:
2. Collaborative Efforts
Engage with key stakeholders:
3. Socio-Economic Development
Initiate programs focusing on:
4. Infrastructure Development
Advocate for improvements in:
5. Community Policing
Implement community-oriented policing strategies to:
6. Awareness and Education
Launch campaigns to:
7. Rehabilitation and Support
Provide support for individuals involved in illicit distillation through:
8. Strengthen Law Enforcement
Enhance the capability of law enforcement by:
Conclusion
By adopting this holistic approach, focusing on socio-economic development, community engagement, and effective law enforcement, I aim to create a sustainable solution to the problem of illicit distillation. This strategy not only addresses the immediate issues but also fosters long-term community resilience and prosperity.