The Hindu : 'Temperance Board's campaign successful'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Apr 26, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

'Temperance Board's campaign successful'

By Our Staff Reporter

MANGALORE APRIL 25. The State Temperance Board has succeeded in weaning many people away from alcohol through a concerted awareness campaign, and this had a positive impact on their health and standard of living, the Chairman of the Board, M.H. Narasimhaiah, has claimed. The Board would also chalk out a long-term strategy to create greater awareness on the issue, especially among the rural poor, he said.

At a press conference here today, Mr. Narasimhaiah said the mandate of the Board, in existence since the time of Independence, was to wean people away from alcohol and it had succeeded in this endeavour to a large extent. The Board had taken the help of heads of religious maths, Sarvodaya workers, volunteers, and members of women's self-help groups (SHGs) in its awareness campaign.

He said the activities of the Board were in no way contradictory to the Government promoting the sale of liquor through the Excise Department. Both had a separate mandate. The Board was closely coordinating with the Excise Department to ensure strict checks on the sale of spurious liquor, especially in tribal hamlets where such instances were high.

He said the Board was particularly active in its efforts to spread the message of abstinence in lambani tandas and colonies inhabited by dalits. It had organised street plays highlighting the adverse effects of drinking on personal health and family relationships.

The Board had also prepared publicity material to be publicised through the Information Department. The Board made it a point to open information stalls at all major village fairs, spreading the message of temperance among the villagers. It had brought out books on the matter containing messages from religious heads.

The Board recently organised two major de-addiction camps at Mudigere in Chikmagalur District and Shimoga with successful results. Around 80 people were treated at Mudigere and around 100 in Shimoga, he said, adding that those treated in the camps had given up drinking for good. Board officials were monitoring their progress.

The Board had been successful in its endeavour to get the Excise Department to shift liquor/excise shops from the vicinity of schools and religious places, he said and added that it was receiving good support from the SHGs in this regard. The Board also provided financial assistance to NGOs working towards the same goal, he said.

Thanking the Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna, for appointing him as the Chairman, Mr. Narasimhaiah said the Board now had a full-fledged board of directors comprising 28 members.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

Rs. 9,620 cr. Annual Plan for Karnataka

'STF dictating the pace'

Centre to consider State's plea to amend Article 371

Govt. to overhaul education system

Admission policy dubious: Sindhia

'Temperance Board's campaign successful'

Mahadev urges Governor to dismiss Mysore varsity VC

Tibetans want Panchen Lama freed