Minister for social justice Shivajirao Moghe is determined to see his anti-liquor campaign to its logical end by evolving a comprehensive policy
Minister for social justice Shivajirao Moghe is determined to see his anti-liquor campaign to its logical end by evolving a comprehensive policy. At a time when GenNext is increasingly diverted to the pub culture, he knows there are bound to be more brickbats than bouquets for his policies. Nevertheless, his confidence is unshaken as he says, “I have seen how much destruction and downfall liquor causes. And, it starts with just one drink." In an interview with DNA, the seasoned Congress minister speaks of he brushes off the constant pinpricks of his own cabinet colleagues whenever liquor policy decisions come up for discussion.
How realistic is your proposal on the anti-liquor policy?
It is realistic as it will definitely make a difference to both rural and urban areas of Maharashtra. The thrust of the policy is to raise the age limit from 21 years to 25 years for liquor consumption. The idea of restricting the number of liquor bottles sold to each person is part of the anti-liquor campaign. I am absolutely committed to this campaign. I have been waging a battle against the evils of liquor for the past 40 years.
Will you incorporate the de-addiction policy as part of the ministry of social justice?
In the past, de-addiction was a full-fledged department of the ministry of social justice. But, over the years it has become defunct. I want to revive its functioning effectively. I also understand that along with policies, we need the participation of people to make the anti-liquor campaign a success. The policy is part of the social reforms that will change the mindset of people.
Are you confident of the support of your cabinet colleagues in this campaign?
I don’t think there will be a single minister who can publicly oppose the de-addiction campaign. Though some of my colleagues made fun of the anti-liquor policy, dismissing it as impractical in the new age, I have the support of chief minister Ashok Chavan. When I met Congress president Sonia Gandhi last, I informed her about my anti-liquor campaign. She had asked if it was possible. I told her it would certainly make some difference. She had nodded in approval.
In Gujarat, they have banned liquor. But people manage to get it from the borders…
I am not advocating a forced ban on liquor. Through the anti-liquor policy we want to increase the participation of people in combating socio-economic problems caused because of alcoholism. Today, schoolchildren have taken up drinking at a young age. College students think it is fashionable to drink liquor, unmindful of its ramifications. Whether it is farmers' suicides in Vidarbha or students straying from the right path, there are hundreds of cases that point to how liquor has become the root cause of their downfall. Let us not forget that whether it is urban or rural areas, it is always women who are at the receiving end.
But the state government earns Rs4,500 crore annually from sales tax on liquor.
I am sure there can be other methods of mobilising revenue. Having said this, I think as long as you allow the sale of liquor, it needs to be taxed.
How do you explain the government’s decision to allow liquor to be made from food grain?
I am sure after the controversy there have been some checks and balances. I don’t think the government is issuing new licences for making liquor from food grain.
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