The move to reward liquor shop traders by the State Government on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi has brought shame for the State, said Milita Odisha Nisha Nibarana Abhiyan secretary Ramakant Mandal
The teachings and ideals of the Father of the Nation have been accepted throughout the world. But the recommendations of the Standing Committee of Excise Department of the Odisha Government have proved that Gandhiji’s ideals have become totally irrelevant for the State, said Mandal.
While the Minister is saying that by 2020, the accident rate in the State would be reduced by 2020, on the other hand, the Government is announcing to reward the traders who sell more liquor, which is the main reason behind the spiraling road mishaps, Mandal maintained.
Mandal warned that if the Government neglects the people, on whose votes it came to power, the results would be disastrous and suggested that the Government should immediately implement the 1956 law on total prohibition of liquor.
Meanwhile, the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) and All India Youth Association (AIYF) took out a rally here protesting the recommendation for incentives to the wine sellers. Hundreds of students and youths joining the rally from Raj Mahal Square to Master Canteen led by AISF State president Sanghamitra Jena, secretary Jagannath Patra, Mirza Tohid Beg, AIYF State president Sadananda Sahu and secretary Pradip Sethi said the incentive to the traders would boost liquor sale by which many youths would be perverted. Saying that the BJD got election funding from the wine traders during the recent General and Assemble polls, they called upon everybody for agitation against the move.