The loss of lives due to consumption of spurious liquor is deplorable. Despite tall claims, it flows freely across the country
At least 45 lives have been claimed by spurious liquor in Gujarat last week. Many are undergoing treatment in various hospitals as a result of consuming 'hooch', the illicit liquor brewed and sold by anti-social elements who enjoy political patronage. Politicians are vying with one another to prove that they are teetotalers and could not withstand the sight of liquor. Though Gujarat has declared itself as a dry State, spurious liquor is easily available. 'Prohibition' is an oxymoron term that has to be thrown out of the national narrative. The Government of India has issued license to liquor-manufacturing companies and they are operating efficiently. The Government that permits to manufacture and sale of liquor then asks people not to consume liquor! Then why are the liquor companies given the license to manufacture and sell spirits? All States in the country make a windfall selling liquor. Tamil Nadu's income from selling liquor for the year 2021-2022 stood at Rs 36,013 crore, an increase of Rs 2,202 crore from last year's income. Neighboring Kerala recorded a turnover of Rs 11577 crore in 2015-2016 while the figure shot up to Rs 14707 crore from 2019 to 2020. But the States treat the liquor business as a goose that lays golden eggs. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have "nationalized" liquor businesses.
The public sector is the monopoly liquor seller in most States. Tipplers stand in long queues in scorching sunlight or heavy downpour to get their daily quota of spirits. They are forced to consume what the bureaucrats and politicians decide. Toddy tapping is banned in Tamil Nadu while arrack manufacturing is not allowed in Kerala. This has led to the mushrooming of bootleggers who illicitly brew low-quality spirits from hazardous substances. It has been proved that toddy and arrack are good for heavy-duty workers if consumed in moderation. The ban on toddy and arrack draws tipplers to dangerous drinks which cause irreparable damage to their bodies. Those desirous of consuming alcohol should get their quota and the liquor business should be opened up. The earlier the Government does it, the better for the nation as well as the people. The powers that be are not enthusiastic about fighting the cigarette industry and bringing down the habit of smoking while they go all out to throttle the liquor industry. This happens at a time when whisky manufactured by Indian companies is giving their foreign counterparts a run for their money.
