By SANTOSH MOHANTY
A recent report suggested that there has been a steep rise in the number of adolescent drunkards in Odisha. This is all the more interesting as the state has surpassed the national average on this scrore.
While the national average of boozing is 18 per cent, Odisha is way ahead at 28. One important finding from the study is that women in Odisha are not lagging behind in drinking habit as well. The study has indicated that the state has a number of families whose womenfolks do not hesitate to drink any more. This is a startling revelation that the women in Odisha have made their foray into a relatively male dominated sphere and do not seem to have reservations to remain tipsy like their male counterparts nor do they consider drinking as a male prerogative either.
There is no gainsaying the fact that drinking has always been a dangerous habit which is mostly responsible for crime against women and society. The graph of domestic violence in Odisha is on the rise, yet state's excise department is hell bent to encourage alcoholism among people by opening foreign liquor off and on shops throughout the state. It is very difficult to locate a place in Odisha which is bereft of country liquor and toddy shops.
This write up is not meant for criticizing Odisha government nor the agencies responsible for looking after excise business. Certainly, they have the right to formulate policies on liquor trade. But, they must not forget about their duties and responsibilities on the establishment of a safe society where there is no place for domestic violence. Taking wine is not a crime but it is criminal to be alcoholic.
As the Odisha government is mostly run by the babus, this is high time that they should act immediately to reverse the trend if not banish altogether.
