The liquor policy, according to them, is causing widespread social disruption all over the state. They want licensed liquor shops to be removed from panchayats and that women mukhiyas and sarpanch be authorized to issue no-objection certificates for opening of liquor shops in their areas.

Said Padmashri Sister Sudha Verghese of Nari Gunjan: “There have been projects for women empowerment. But it cannot be achieved if these licensed liquor shops continue to mushroom. Liqour has disrupted countless families, especially in rural areas.”

She said women and children are the worst victims of the new liquor policy. Incidents of domestic violence have increased in the last couple of years. The government should bring changes in its liquor policy and explore alternatives to generate revenue for development works.

According to Neelu and Archana of Mahila Jaagran Kendra, government policies for women welfare appear to be contradictory. Though 50 per cent of seats in panchayats are reserved for them, they are also exposed to physical assault by men under the influence of liqour.

They said each panchayat are allowed to have two licensed liquor shops. Besides, the number of illegal liquor shops have sprouted close to schools, libraries and temples. All such issues will be discussed at the rally on November 26.
Shazeena and Sunita said a report on the survey of socio- economic impact of liqour on families in villages of 13 districts of the state has already been released by the organisation.