Scarcity to surplus: Ladakh's new excise policy counts on alcohol to fight drug abuse

Ladakh's new excise policy aims to fight drug abuse by expanding alcohol sales. The policy allows a 10-fold increase in retail outlets, selling hard liquor, and permits beer bars. Officials said "unavailability of hard liquor was prompting individuals to resort to illegal narcotics." This shift seeks to curb bootlegging and the drug trade.