Nagpur, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Excise Minister, Ajit Pawar, announced on Wednesday that it is now essential for both foreign retail liquor outlets and local liquor shops to secure mandatory consent from registered housing societies prior to starting their operations.

He emphasized that this new policy should be uniformly applied throughout the state.

"Obtaining permission from registered societies is now a mandatory requirement for both types of liquor establishments. This policy must be consistently enforced across Maharashtra," stated Deputy CM Pawar during an Assembly session while addressing a query from BJP legislator Shankar Jagtap.

Jagtap raised concerns regarding the licenses of liquor shops functioning in the Chinchwad–Kalewadi area of Pune district. He claimed that a shop in Sahyadri Society had commenced operations in breach of regulations. According to him, the building was not completed when approval was granted, and the license was issued based on incomplete documentation. He urged for accountability against those involved.

Pawar reiterated the necessity of society consent for liquor shops and informed the Assembly about actions taken in response to complaints regarding two specific outlets.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde disclosed to the Legislative Assembly that Maharashtra has witnessed over 30 lakh dog bite incidents over the past six years, with 30 fatalities due to rabies from 2021 to 2023.

In his written reply to a question from Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Sunil Prabhu, Shinde acknowledged concerns regarding the increase in stray dogs, particularly in major urban areas like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Kalyan-Dombivli.

Shinde stated there has been a notable rise in dog bite cases in both urban and rural settings. He reported that approximately 30 individuals have died from rabies due to dog bites in the past two years.

In response to another inquiry, DCM Shinde confirmed that local authorities have been instructed to enhance animal birth control and anti-rabies vaccination initiatives, adhering to Supreme Court directives issued in August 2024.

The Urban Development Department provided guidance to all municipal bodies on November 14, while analogous instructions were issued to rural local bodies on November 27.

He further mentioned that the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, are being enforced statewide following government orders issued in March.

Regarding compensation for families affected by rabies fatalities and delays in managing the stray dog population, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that these matters are not currently applicable.