BELAGAVI
Women activists under the banner of ‘Darubandi Andolan Karnataka’ have launched an agitation and protested on Thursday demanding a complete ban on liquor sales in Belagavi taluka.
They have also appealed to authorities to initiate stringent action against illicit trade of Goa liquor in the district.
The protestors submitted a memorandum to Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, urging strict action against the illegal sale of liquor in grocery stores and paan shops selling liquor illicitly.
Locals alleged that in several villages across Belagavi taluka, liquor is being openly sold in small shops, leading to a dangerous rise in alcohol consumption among schoolchildren.
Recently, a shocking incident came to light when a group of students from Class 8 and 9 reportedly consumed liquor during a birthday celebration.
Some of them fainted soon after, prompting villagers to raise strong objections and demand an immediate crackdown.
The women activists pointed out that according to the law, the state government must seek the consent of the Mahila Gram Sabha (women’s village assembly) before granting or cancelling licenses for liquor shops.
However, they alleged that the government has ignored this provision and, in 2016, even repealed the law ensuring women’s consent in such decisions.
Citing examples from states like Haryana and Maharashtra, where liquor sales have been banned based on women’s Gram Sabha resolutions, the protestors insisted that similar action should be taken in Karnataka ” especially in Belagavi district.
DC Mohammad Roshan accepted the memorandum and assured the women that appropriate action would be taken after due inquiry.
