Thiruvananthapuram: Excise minister T P Ramakrishnan said in the assembly that the state government has not considered a proposal to keep bars and beverage outlets open on the first day of every month. The minister rubbished reports on government plans to open the bars and outlets on dry days.
While reiterating that total prohibition is not the policy of the government, he said government is aiming at bringing down the liquor consumption. Even when bars were shut down during the UDF rule, the consumption had not come down.
During 2014-15 when the bars were closed, the sale of liquor was 220.58 lakh cases in the state. However, during 2018-19 it was 216.34 lakh cases, said the minister. The government has decided to start deaddiction centres in all taluks. At present, deaddiction centres have been set up in all 14 districts. This will be increased to 20 centres. The deaddiction centres are having a bed strength of 10 each said Ramakrishnan.
Online trade of narcotics
The minister said there are plans to constitute a high-tech cyber cell to check online trade of narcotic substances. The excise commissioner has submitted a proposal for setting up a cyber cell exclusively for this. There are reports of a thriving online business of narcotic substances in the state.
Over 7,600 inmates in jails
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed the assembly that in the 55 jails, including the central prisons, of the state there are 7,653 inmates. Of this 174 are women. He said there are more inmates than the capacity in a few jails.
While reiterating that total prohibition is not the policy of the government, he said government is aiming at bringing down the liquor consumption. Even when bars were shut down during the UDF rule, the consumption had not come down.
During 2014-15 when the bars were closed, the sale of liquor was 220.58 lakh cases in the state. However, during 2018-19 it was 216.34 lakh cases, said the minister. The government has decided to start deaddiction centres in all taluks. At present, deaddiction centres have been set up in all 14 districts. This will be increased to 20 centres. The deaddiction centres are having a bed strength of 10 each said Ramakrishnan.
Online trade of narcotics
The minister said there are plans to constitute a high-tech cyber cell to check online trade of narcotic substances. The excise commissioner has submitted a proposal for setting up a cyber cell exclusively for this. There are reports of a thriving online business of narcotic substances in the state.
Over 7,600 inmates in jails
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed the assembly that in the 55 jails, including the central prisons, of the state there are 7,653 inmates. Of this 174 are women. He said there are more inmates than the capacity in a few jails.
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