Activists decry move to end prohibition in Gadchiroli, Chanda

Nagpur: Padma Shri awardees Dr Abhay and Rani Bang and Dr Prakash Amte in Maoist-affected and tribal district of Gadchiroli and activist Paromita Goswami from Chandrapur have lambasted the move to life liquor ban by Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar.
Wadettiwar, MLA from Brahmapuri and minister for disaster management, relief and rehabilitation, had been trying to get the liquor ban lifted from Gadchiroli and Chandrapur citing flourishing illicit trade of liquor due to poor enforcement. “A revenue loss of around Rs 1,200-1,300 crore in two districts is being incurred due to prohibition. Then illegal liquor is available freely,” he said. “A committee has been formed to look into the matter whose report will be presented before the cabinet,” he said.
Liquor was banned in Gadchiroli in 1993 while it was done in Chandrapur in 2015. While Wadettiwar felt the activists were ignorant about ground reality, a gamut of social workers has written to the state leadership to refrain from lifting the ban which would aggravate the socio-economic scenario and lead to health hazards.
Dr Abhay Bang said, ‘Excise policy for tribal areas’ approved by the central and state government in Gadchiroli prohibits sale of liquor here. “It was after six years of people’s movement that the ban was won. 600 villages had passed resolution supporting it. Out of 1,500, around 1,100 villages are notified as ‘scheduled areas’ where alcohol sale and trading are prohibited,” he said.
He further said around 900 villages in Gadchiroli have passed resolutions discouraging liquor in their localities. “A collaborative campaign of ‘Muktipath’ was launched against social ills like illicit liquor consumption led by a task force headed by state chief minister,” he said.
“Global researches have shown devastating effect of alcohol on health. It also makes the society more vulnerable to atrocities against women,” he said. “Economically weaker sections save substantial amount that otherwise would have spent on alcohol,” said Dr Bang.
Dr Amte, who had won Ramon Magsaysay award in 2008, said if poor enforcement was the cause then politicians should ensure government focus on it and not find a solution in lifting the ban. “Alcohol is a known health hazard and trigger for victimization of women. The government is fining people for not wearing mask but contemplating allowing liquor,” he said.
Chandrapur’s anti-liquor activist Goswami said she had had already submitted her representation against lifting the ban to the government. “The ban is a clear constitutional mandate and lifting it would be a counter-productive move,” she said.