**Impact of Alcohol Ban in Bihar**
**Reduction in Alcohol Consumption:** A study published in ‘The Lancet Regional Health ★South East Asia’ reveals that since the alcohol ban in Bihar in 2016, there has been a decrease of 24 lakh (7.8%) in the number of daily and weekly drinkers. Additionally, cases of sexual violence have also decreased by 21 lakh (3.6%) as a result of the ban.
**Positive Health Effects:** Due to the alcohol ban, the state of Bihar has seen a decrease in obesity among men, with 18 lakh men being saved from obesity. Researchers, including those from the International Food Policy Research Institute in the US, analyzed survey data at national and district levels to determine the impact of strict alcohol regulations on crime and health in the state.
**Pre-Ban Alcohol Consumption:** Before the ban, alcohol consumption among men in Bihar was at 15%, which was higher compared to neighboring states where it was at 10.3%. However, post-ban, there has been a significant decrease in alcohol consumption in Bihar by 7.8%, while neighboring states saw an increase to 10.4%.
**Reduction in Violence Against Women:** The study also highlights a decrease in violence against women in Bihar post the alcohol ban. The rate of domestic violence has decreased by 4.6% and sexual violence by 3.6% due to the strict regulations on alcohol consumption in the state.
बिहार में 2016 में हुई शराबबंदी ने एक नई राह दिखाई है, जिससे प्रतिदिन और साप्ताहिक रूप से शराब पीने वालों की संख्या में 24 लाख की कमी आई है। इसके साथ ही यौन हिंसा के मामलों में भी 21 लाख की कमी दर्ज की गई है। एक नए अध्ययन के अनुसार, इस प्रतिबंध के चलते राज्य में अपराध और स्वास्थ्य के क्षेत्र में कॉफी सुधार हुआ है। इसके साथ ही प्रतिबंध से पहले शराब पीने वालों की संख्या भी ज्यादा थी, जो अब कम हो गई है। इससे शराब सेवन में गिरावट आई है और महिलाओं के खिलाफ होने वाली हिंसा में भी कमी देखी गई है।
