Odisha's Excise Minister plans to close dance bars and restrict liquor shops near religious, educational sites to combat illegal trade.

Odisha's Excise Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, announced a plan to shut down all dance bars in the state and exclude liquor shops near religious institutions, schools, and colleges. The minister aims to end the illegal liquor trade within a year, following a bar girl's allegations of forced illicit activities and the Ganjam hooch tragedy. The new excise policy will address societal concerns and 'Odia Asmita'.