Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will roll out a new excise policy this month, with a sharp focus on curbing the sale of illegal narcotics and strengthening enforcement.
Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said a delegation of officials that recently visited two states has returned, and discussions with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on finalizing the policy are expected in the next couple of days. Preparations for its implementation are already underway, he added.
Until the new framework comes into force, the existing excise policy will remain operational. In the meantime, enforcement has been intensified, with statewide raids targeting the illegal trade of narcotics and other contraband, the Minister said.
As part of its anti-addiction initiative, the government will also launch a month-long campaign titled “Nisha Nuhen Jibana” beginning October 2, on Gandhi Jayanti, he added.
The campaign will blend awareness drives with strict enforcement to combat substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyles, Harichandan said.
