ROURKELA: At a time when Bihar has shown the way by imposing prohibition, the rural and tribal women fighting against alcoholism in Sundargarh district demanded that Odisha Government too should impose a ban on liquor.
As alcoholism continues to ruin the backward tribal society and other weaker sections, they demanded total ban on liquor in the State.
Meanwhile, protest against sale of liquor by a women’s group at Bileimunda of Garjanjor panchayat in Hemgir block entered its eighth day on Thursday.
Tribal leader Prof Bijay Toppo said rampant alcoholism in tribal society is preventing them from freeing themselves from poverty, ignorance, illiteracy and superstition. Due to alcoholism, crimes are on the rise. The rural economy and farm sector continue to face a downward slide as a majority of tribal men are alcoholics while tribal women and young girls shoulder family responsibilities. There should be a total ban on sale of liquor in Odisha and not in a few tribal districts, he added.
Subhashree Ray, a member of National Alliance of Women’s Organisation, said the fight against liquor will continue as long as the Government remains inactive. Rise in road accidents and crime against women are linked to alcoholism, she said.