GS4 · UPSC Mains

Vihar is a state in the Northern part of the country. Prohibition laws in the state completely ban the storage, possession, sale, and consumption of liquor in any form. Despite the ban, the liquor mafia in the state has succeeded in supplying spurious liquor through various illegal dens. The activities of liquor mafia flourish under the nose of both the civil administration and the police department. Many Civil Society Organizations, women organizations etc., on numerous occasions complained to the authorities about the illegal production, sale, and consumption of liquor, but their complaints have fallen on deaf ears, and no substantial action was taken by the government to curb the menace. As fate would have it, one day there was an unfortunate incident when a large group of fifty construction labourers died after consuming spurious liquor from an illegal den being operated by the mafia. Many of the victims were sole bread winners of their families. While the state was clear on its position that consuming liquor in the state was an illegal activity that warrants no sympathy or compensation (for the next of kin) from the government, families of the victims and also many CSOs were demanding compensation for the families of the deceased construction laborers. The incident got both national and international coverage in print, electronic, as well as the social media. The pressure on the state government was mounting to amicably resolve the issue. Anjali is posted as the Joint Secretary in the Secretariat. The CM has asked her to create a detailed report on how should the state government handle this crisis. a) Under the given circumstances, what measures should Anjali recommend to handle the above crisis. b) Critically evaluate the decision of state government to not compensate the victims of spurious liquor.

20 marks · 20 words · 4 toppers answered this · seen 2025

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