374 Liquor Shops Near Schools and Temples in Odisha: Excise Minister

Bhubaneswar: As many as 374 liquor shops are currently operating within 500 metres of educational and religious institutions across Odisha, Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed the Assembly on Monday.

Responding to a query from Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, the Minister said the state government has so far received 33 complaints about liquor outlets near schools, colleges and universities. Following objections from the public and educational institutions, eight shops have been relocated, he added.

“The government had received a total of 237 complaints against liquor shops from across the state. Appropriate action has been taken after due inquiry by officials,” Harichandan stated in a written reply.

Firdous, the legislator from Barabati-Cuttack, had sought details regarding the number of liquor shops functioning within 500 metres of educational and religious institutions, along with the steps taken by the government to shift them.