Deputy chief minister Tejaswi on Friday said officials had been directed to implement a stringent system to check bootlegging in wake of the proposed liquor ban in the state.

On Thursday, chief minister Nitish Kumar had announced that prohibition will be introduced in Bihar from April 1, 2016.

Tejaswi stressed that the government will find out ways to compensate for the loss of revenue from liquor sales. "I am aware of the additional burden on the state exchequer arising out of the prohibition of liquor," Tejaswi told The Telegraph over the phone.

"So we will hold a brainstorming session with the chief minister and other cabinet colleagues to find out ways to generate funds from other sources. As the chief minister has taken the decision, he must be having some good plan to compensate the revenue loss," added Tejaswi.

On Thursday, Nitish had said he was aware that the loss in revenue would slow down the development process but he would manage it.

In similar vein, Tejaswi on Friday said: "I know that development work would slow down but you must realise the greater benefits of prohibition. Liquor has social impact and women have been demanding the ban and our government did it. We are not jumblabaaz (a dig at the Prime Minister's black money promise), we delivered what we promised."

Even Nitish had said the idea of prohibition was close to his heart and he always delivered promises he made.

When it was pointed out how prohibition in Bihar had earlier given rise in bootlegging, Tejaswi said the government would ensure proper implementation. "Prohibition may not have worked in the past owing to some reason," he said. "However, our government will ensure its proper implementation. The women of the state are very happy ever since our government has taken this decision. There is no looking back now. Officials have been told to implement a mechanism to effectively check bootlegging in the state. Most things would become clear once the policy is formulated. However, strict vigil will be maintained on the borders of Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal to check smuggling," said Tejaswi.

Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ashok Choudhary, who is Nitish's cabinet colleague, said: "Within a week of taking charge as chief minister, Nitish ji has honoured his promise to mothers and sisters of the state."