NEW DELHI: A nine member Telugu Desam ministry headed by N.T. Rama Rao assumed office in
Andhra Pradesh, while a 13member SDF ministry headed by P.K. ‘Chamling was swom in, and four ‘Congress observers arrived in Panaji to oversee the process of election of the new legislature party Leader.
Amid much fanfare in near stampede situation, a nine member ministry headed by N.T. Rama Rao was swom in by the Governor, Krishan Kant, at a public function at the Lal Bahadur Stadium, on Dec.12, heralding the return of Telegu Desam Party to power in Andhra Pradesh after a Bap Of five years. No sooner did he take the oath of Office and secrecy, Rama Rao, redeemed his promise to the people of introducing total prohibition in the State within half an hour of his assuming office by announcing the approval of a proposal from. the Revenue Department to bring about a legislation for the purpose, True to his style, he signed the approval papers and handed them over to waiting officials even as the crowd went into raptures. As per the approval, the new government would introduce a new statute to give effect to the electoral promise of total’ prohibition since the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968, does not contemplate prohibition of alcoholic beverages. The draft Ordinance would be considered by the new Council of Ministers at its very first meeting and the Cabinet resolution would be submitted to the Governor for his assent. The government has also decided to withdraw the licenses of retail shops, bars and clubs under Section32 of the A Excise Act, which provides for withdrawal of licenses on the expiration of not less than 30 days’ notice. Accordingly, the required statutory notice was being issued to retail shops, bars and clubs, and total prohibition would come into force in the entire State on the expiry of the notice period and the promulgation of the ordinance, après statement circulated by T.R. Prasad, Principal Secretary, and Revenue Department said.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 16, 1994
