By 
Leh, 27 October 2026:
Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Shri Ashish Kundra, IAS, chaired a meeting with women representatives of religious organisations, including LBA, to discuss excise policy issues. The meeting was attended by the Excise Commissioner and representatives of LBA, ALGA, Anjuman Imamia, ALGAHA and ALTOA, among others.
Women representatives expressed concerns over liquor consumption and the large number of bar licences, calling for complete prohibition of liquor in Ladakh on social and cultural grounds.
The meeting was informed that, in response to public sentiment, the Excise Policy 2026–27 had been rolled back and now the Excise Policy 2025–26 was in force.
Participants were apprised of the status of liquor licences under the reinstated policy. It was informed that retail liquor vends have decreased from two to one, while restaurant-attached bars have increased from 23 to 40, following the issuance of 17 new licences.
The Chief Secretary acknowledged the concerns and stressed that the demand for a completely dry Ladakh requires careful deliberation and consultation with all stakeholders. He highlighted potential social, cultural, employment, tourism and economic implications, noting the experiences of Bihar and Haryana, and emphasised the need to consult the hotel industry.
He stated that any decision should follow broad-based consultations with religious, hotel, tourism and other stakeholders, balancing social, cultural and economic concerns. He suggested that the LBA President convene a wider consultation to build consensus and find a middle ground.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the importance of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding in addressing the concerns raised by the women representatives while ensuring that the perspectives of all affected stakeholders are duly considered.
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