Time for sustained National Drive Against Alcoholism...who takes the lead?

I think it’s important to make clear that Article 47 of the Constitution of India is ever more

relevant today in this market driven society. Suneel Vatsyayan

New Indian Express

As many as 3.3 million people died of alcohol-related problems the world over in 2012. According to a new study commissioned by the WHO, alcoholism has been on the rise in many parts of the world, including India. About 16 per cent of the global population, which consumes liquor infrequently, can be described as binge drinkers. The study, which examined liquor consumption in 194 member countries of the WHO, found that the consumption was the highest in Europe, though the level has remained static for the last five years. The situation was much the same in Europe and the Americas.

The regions where alcohol consumption has registered a marked increase are South-East Asia and the Western Pacific area. Unfortunately, India is one of the countries where alcohol consumption has been on the increase. In India, about 32 per cent men and 10.6 per cent women have been found to be alcohol users, though many may not be addicts. The per capita consumption of liquor is one of the highest in Kerala and Punjab. The irony is that the followers of Sri Narayana Guru, who preached against the making, sale and consumption of liquor, control the liquor business in the state. In fact, it is a reflection of the double standards on prohibition which the directive principles of the Constitution expect the state to promote.

The ill-effects of alcohol consumption are well known. It is one of the principal causes of liver cirrhosis, cancer, blood pressure and many other physical and mental diseases. More important, it causes economic ruin. One of the main reasons of pauperisation in India is liquor consumption. Recent studies in India have shown that while smoking is no longer popular with the younger generation, liquor consumption has been growing among them. Yet, little is being done to wean them away. Experience has taught that prohibition leads to rampant use of illicit liquor and hootch tragedies. What is needed is a concerted campaign against alcohol use in which the government, civil society and religious leaders should take the lead.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/editorials/Time-for-National-Drive-Against-Alcoholism/2014/05/15/article2224961.ece

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