At a time when there is a growing opposition to the state government’s proposal to distribute cheap liquor, Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya on Saturday, dropped a bomb shell stating that he was not against giving permission to open more liquor shops in small towns and villages.
He told reporters that Indian Made Liquor is sold illegally at roadside grocery shops, tea stalls, petrol pumps and petty shops in tiny towns and villages following the refusal to issue licences. “Giving licences to open liquor shops will help in checking illegal sale of liquor or spurious liquor at high prices,” he said.
Echoing CM Siddaramaiah’s statement, the minister said total prohibition of liquor is not possible unless a policy decision is taken by the Centre. However, he said he supports liquor ban throughout the country in the interest of health of the people.
He said his department runs 2,067 residential schools, including 12 PU colleges, in the state. “A helpline would be set up in hostels to ensure that quality food is served to students. Complaints received through the helpline would be addressed by senior officials within 24 hours,” he added.
He said a survey of people belonging to Scheduled Castes/Tribes, who own small lands, will be conducted to sanction borewells to provide irrigation facility under Ganga Kalyana Scheme.