Maharashtra government has decided to form 'Gram Rakshak Dal' (GRD) at the village level to curb the sale of illicit liquor. The first batch of Gram Rakshak Dal will be out on June 15.
According to sources, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will address the first batch of GRD on June 15 at Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district.
When contacted, Anna Hazare, the renowned social activist from the area, confirmed the development.
Hazare said that he was the first person to put forth this thought before the CM. "We are very proud that finally, the local people will have the power to curb the sale of illicit liquor. The police and excise department of the state govt has been trying for last several years to stop the malpractice, without much effect. We have to empower the locals, who will be taught the rules and regulations. We will hold workshops for the GRD and even distribute books to them for free," Hazare said.
He said that if a majority of the women of the village are against any liquor shop, then that has to close down as well.
"Police has to promptly look into complaints and conduct regular review meetings. Action against the complaints need to be taken within 12 hours and cases need to be registered. Besides, if someone is drunk and troubling others, then the GRD will file a complaint against him at the police station and the police will have to put that person behind the bar immediately. If the person is a found to a repeat offender, he shall be banished from the district," Hazare said.
Also, if a person involved in the manufacturing and sale of illicit liquor is caught more than thrice, he shall also be banished. If the police fail to do so, then they will also face inquiry and action.
According to a government official, they are trying to include the ill effects of alcohol consumption in school and college textbooks to help in nipping the issue in the bud.
Commenting on the move, an NCP leader said that they welcome the decision but are sceptical of the body becoming like the gau rakshaks and start extorting in the name of law.
...& ANALYSIS
- With a rising number of people falling prey to hooch addiction, and an even larger number dying of it, it has become imperative to find effective ways to stop the illicit liquor trade. A grassroots body is being formed to better tackle the issue.
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