​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, Sept 10: Odisha Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Wednesday said that the state government is set to introduce a new excise policy this month.

He stated that the new excise policy aims to combat illegal narcotics sales and enhance enforcement measures.

Harichandan said that a delegation of officials, who recently visited two states, has returned. He also mentioned that discussions with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to finalize the policy are expected to take place in the coming days.

Preparations for its implementation are already in progress, he added.

He also stated that the existing excise policy will remain in effect until the new framework is implemented. In the meantime, enforcement efforts have been ramped up, with statewide raids targeting the illegal trade of narcotics and other contraband.

Harichandan added that as part of its anti-addiction initiative, the government will kick off a month-long campaign called "Nisha Nuhen Jibana" starting October 2, on Gandhi Jayanti.

He stated that the campaign will combine awareness efforts with strict enforcement to tackle substance abuse and encourage healthy lifestyles.