Nagaland's Liquor Prohibition Act: Ineffective after 37 years, argues commentator

An opinion writer has questioned the efficacy of Nagaland's Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989, which declared the state alcohol-free 37 years ago. Despite the ban, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) found 26.9% of men and 1.6% of women aged 15 and above report consuming alcohol, with many more consuming covertly.

The writer argues that while the poor face legal consequences, wealthy individuals and premium establishments operate with little scrutiny, continuing profitable liquor businesses. The author contends the prolonged conflict among consumers, civil society groups, churches, police, and the excise department has yielded no positive outcomes, instead creating cycles of addiction and poverty.

Meanwhile, other states generate hundreds of crores in annual excise revenue through legal alcohol sales. The commentator suggests Nagaland's rigid enforcement has left the state economically desiccated while failing to achieve its intended social objectives.