LG makes fervent call for eradicating liquor, tobacco menace from Islands

The Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi has made a fervent call to the people of the Islands, especially the youth and students, to extend cooperation in eradicating the menace of alcoholism and other substance abuse from the Islands. "Liquor consumption is not only damaging individual health but also incurring financial loss and ruining families and therefore, every individual must contribute towards its eradication by creating a liquor free atmosphere in the Islands", he said while addressing the gathering, also comprising of students on the occasion of National Voters' Day in the auditorium of JNRM here today. 

The Lt. Governor appealed to the students to take up eradication of liquor as a mission and apprise people in their homes, neighborhood, social gatherings, religious functions, socio-cultural functions etc. about its ill consequences, so that people can make decisions and restrain themselves from consuming liquor. "There is no government law, which can stop such social evil unless it is supported by mass participation", the Lt. Governor said. 

The Lt. Governor said that students are the powerful instrument for achieving such social objectives. "At this age", he said, "you have to save yourselves from the liquor consumption, and if you succeed, you will be safe anywhere you go. This will not only save you, but will protect the coming generation from becoming addicted to liquor consumption", he said appealing them to contribute towards eradication of this social evil. He advised the Principal of the College to organize symposium among the students about the ill effects of liquor and the need to eradicate it from the Islands.

Stating that the Administration has taken various initiatives for reducing liquor consumption in the Islands, the Lt. Governor informed that all the bars and liquor shops that are operating alongside state and national highways will be closed down by March 31, 2017. Apart from this, the Administration has added 13 more dry days to the existing three dry days (Jan. 26, Aug. 15 and Oct. 02) in the Islands, making it a total 16 days now. These included public holidays of religious significance, he said. Similarly, issue of liquor by ANIIDCO wine shops has been limited to two bottles per person per day besides bars and liquor shops have also been directed to introduce cashless payment for sale of liquor. This will lead to 50% reduction in liquor consumption in the Islands by the next one year, he said. The Lt. Governor also informed that a separate Directorate, 'Directorate of Prohibition' has been established and is now carrying out activities for creating awareness about the ill effects of alcoholism. These include street plays (nukkad nataks), seminar, film show, cultural programme etc, he said.

The Lt. Governor also informed that he will convene a meeting on 30th of January this year, inviting all heads of institutions, including primary, secondary, senior secondary schools, colleges, PBMC, PRIs, religions, socio-cultural organizations, school/college students' unions and other organizations, to discuss various measures in curbing the menace of liquor consumption in the Islands.