Amaravati: Enforcement wing to get more staff

Amaravati: Two-thirds of the prohibition and excise department staff would be deputed to the enforcement wing for curbing illegal liquor manufacture and illegal sand excavation in the state.

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy took the decision to this effect while reviewing the liquor and sand policy here on Thursday. He said that standard operation procedures (SOPs) have to be strictly adhered to for achieving best results in enforcing the policy.

The Chief Minister said the revolutionary changes in the governance by setting up village secretariats, Rythu Bharosa Centres and YSR Village Clinics were being taken up to bring about a drastic change in the administration from the grassroots level. Illegal sand excavation and liquor manufacturing were impediments in the smooth functioning of the administration.

Hence, he said the police and prohibition and excise department have to function strictly to curb such anomalies. The services of over 11,000 Mahila police contingent have to be utilised effectively by making them use the phones given to them in curbing illegal liquor trade and sand excavation. The services of Mahila Mitra volunteers would also have to be utilised effectively, he added.

Panchayat raj and rural development, geology and mining minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney were among those who attended the review meeting.