LSGs to be given powers to sanction toddy shops

An ordinance, vesting local bodies with the right to give permission for new toddy shops, will be introduced within a month, Excise Minister K Babu said. The Minister disclosed that a decision in this regard was taken in last November.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of the week-long Gandhi Jayanti celebrations held here on Tuesday. He added that the government had taken up steps to prevent production and sale of adulterated toddy across the state.

“A complete ban on alcohol is impractical. Awareness campaigns should be intensified in order to reduce alcohol consumption. A decision on the proposed aid to the anti-drug clinics will be taken at the next director board meeting of the Beverage Corporation,” Babu said.

He further said that around 1,000 toddy shops in Thiruvananthapuram district alone had closed and only one-third of toddy shops in Kollam district are functional now, vindicating government efforts to prevent adulterated toddy. “If adulterated toddy was available, these shops would be functioning now,” the minister claimed.

On the occasion, the Excise Minister announced a new post of a joint commissioner was created to coordinate various anti-drug campaigns.

“As many as 360 anti-drug clubs were formed in various colleges and schools across the state. The number will touch 800 by next year. The state had spent around `1 crore for the anti-drug awareness campaigns in the state last year,” he said.

He further said the function being organised to felicitate the best de-addiction centre and best volunteer would be held in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture K V Thomas was the guest of honour for the function.

Kochi Corporation Mayor Tony Chammany, MLAs Dominic Presentation, Hibi Eden, district panchayat president Eldhose Kunnappilly, Charley Paul, Soumini Jain, Olympians K M Binu, M D Valsamma, M A Francis and V Ajithlal were also present.

Earlier, marking the inauguration of the week-long anti-drug campaign, a mass rally was held from the High Court Junction to the Town Hall. The rally was flagged off by Excise Minister K Babu.