Once considered to be a domain of local strongmen, Women participation in the liquor business has been on the rise inUttar Pradeshof late. Beginning April 1, women would control 25% of the retail liquor business in the state, recording the highest participation so far.
The statewide data maintained by the excise department headquarters inPrayagrajshows that out of the total 28,930 retail liquor shops (including bhang shops) that have been floated by the department for the 2023-24 fiscal year across the state, 7,216 have been bagged by women.