The state government will involve women to enforce prohibition in rural areas, which would be effective from April 1.

It has also planned to give cash rewards of Rs 1 lakh to women self-help groups that are affiliated to Jeevika (a government initiative for poverty alleviation) and all such organisations that would contribute to the cause.

State excise, prohibition and registration minister Abdul Jalil Mastan told The Telegraph: "We have decided to encourage women organisations and self-help groups to work towards enforcing prohibition in their areas of influence. If any village is declared completely free of liquor by the district magistrate concerned, a cash award of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to the organisations, anganwadi and health workers, teachers and other such persons who have worked for it."

The money would be equally distributed among them by the Bihar State Beverages Corporation Limited.

The excise department is in process to set up a toll-free number to receive information from women groups and others who want to inform state enforcement agencies, including the police, about illegal sale of liquor, the minister added.

Mastan pointed out that women were the ones who suffer the most if their family members were addicted to liquor. Various organisations have already met chief minister Nitish Kumar and requested him to enforce the prohibition.

Jeevika chief executive officer Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, who is also the secretary of rural development department, said: "The modalities are being worked out for effective use of women self-help groups. Normally, 10 to 15 such groups function in a village. A self-help group includes members from around 11 households. There are women who have worked in order to enforce prohibition. We want to use their on-field experiences. Women have the awareness that prohibition will save a lot of money and ensure better life."

The minister added: "Women are very committed to the cause as they have seen their families suffer in several ways. Those who indulge in liquor consumption or its trade in villages across the state from April 1 should be ready to be beaten up."

The state government has already taken a decision to ban the sale of country liquor across Bihar. Foreign liquor shops in rural areas will also be closed. However, such shops will be allowed to function in the municipal areas, and the excise department will take control of the trade by opening around 350 shops, disallowing private players.

Earlier, the chief minister said foreign liquor would be banned in the second phase of prohibition.