According to sources as a first step towards imposing prohibition in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS jagan on Saturday asked the officials to shut "belt shops" or illegal outlets of licensed liquor shops in the state. Meanwhile the Chief Minister said stringent action should be taken against those running such shops, and directed officials to cancel the license of dealers running the illegal outlets.
Furthermore Mr. Reddy, who took oath as the Chief Minister on Thursday, held a meeting with senior officials to review the state's finances. Apparently he said his government was committed to fulfill its poll promise of imposing total prohibition in phases. Reportedly jagan, as the YSR Congress Party chief is popularly known, said "belt shops" should be removed to protect the interests of poor and happiness should prevail in every family by removing this menace.
Moreover Mr. Reddy said awareness and rehabilitation programs should be conducted to distance the poor from liquor and he also asked the officials to prepare reports on financial status of the state to place before 15th Finance Commission stressing the need for according special category status to Andhra Pradesh.
