Bhubaneswar, Dec 14: It seems that the number of people drinking liquor has crossed the number of people drinking milk in Odisha, thanks to the 5-T concept of the BJD government.

Data shows that the sale of milk has declined and the sale of liquor has soared after the 5-T came into force in the State. In the last five years, milk sale has declined by 5 per cent, while liquor sale has jumped by 63 per cent.
Spurt in sale of liquor has worried people, particularly women. Many have questioned the Naveen Patnaik Government’s morality behind giving much importance for opening of liquor shops in the nook and corner of the State.

According to studies, liquor is the main reason behind road accidents, violence in both rural and urban areas and violence against women. Odisha is in the fore front among States witnessing loss of lives in road accidents with an average of about 5000 fatalities occurring annually. Family disturbance and violence against women are also caused by drunkyard people.

Data shows that Odisha produces only 144 gram of milk per head against 444 gram at national level.
It is also learnt that only 18 Per cent male drink liquor at the national level, the percentage of male liquor consumers in Odisha is 30 to 35 per cent.

We may remind here that hooch tragedy in Cuttack in nineties claimed many lives in Odisha. Since then, women communities and various social organisations have been opposing liquor sale and production in the State. But liquor outlets have opened at an increasing rate since then.

The Naveen Government’s love for liquor traders have come to the fore with income tax raids in Bolangir. Recovery of hard cash of Rs 400 crore reveals how uncontrollable liquor trade in Odisha is and the State government’s support to the liquor mafia.

“States like Gujarat and Bihar have successfully adopted complete prohibition. While these States are advancing without excise revenue, it is not understood why the BJD government is promoting liquor sale,” wanted to know an intellectual.

Also Read: O disha News

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