Ladakh administration mulls alcohol ban as women's groups step up pressure

Women's protest movements in Ladakh have compelled the regional administration to formally consider declaring the union territory a dry region, according to officials familiar with ongoing discussions. The administration has begun examining the feasibility and implications of such a measure, marking a significant shift in response to sustained activist pressure on the alcohol issue.

The push for stricter alcohol controls comes amid a dramatic expansion in the liquor retail landscape across Ladakh. Official data reveals that authorities issued 17 new licences this year for bars attached to restaurants offering retail liquor sales, bringing the total number of such establishments to 40. In contrast, only a single independent retail alcohol vendor currently operates in the territory.

Women's groups have long cited concerns about alcohol-related social issues, including domestic violence and family welfare, as driving factors behind their campaign for a dry region status. The administration's willingness to engage in formal discussions reflects the growing political weight of these concerns at the grassroots level.

The potential declaration of Ladakh as a dry union territory would represent a significant policy reversal and would require coordination between multiple administrative and legislative bodies. Officials have not yet announced a timeline for concluding discussions or any preliminary recommendations on the proposal.