State should introspect on issuing fresh bar licenses, avers Kota Srinivas Poojary

DHARMASTHALA: Karnataka has 10,700 watering holes for the devotees of Bacchus and these bring Rs 18,000 crore to the state exchequer. But the funds needed to rectify the destruction, confusion and social ills that people prone to alcohol abuse cause is many times over than the revenue earned. Accordingly, the government must introspect before issuing fresh licenses for bars in the state, noted Kota Srinivas Poojary , minister for ports and fisheries.

Inaugurating the camp for alcohol de-addicted reformers under the aegis of Akhila Karnataka Janajagruti Vedike here on Saturday, Poojary said state government through Karnataka State Temperance Board is making efforts to taper destruction and confusion that alcohol addicts, cause. However, the Vedike through its de-addiction camps is striving to change the mindset of people addicted to alcohol and helping these people become socially oriented.

Hemavathi Heggade, wife of Veerendra Heggade, dharmadhikari, Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala said alcohol addicts are as good as dead for society through they are alive. “Such people are victims of low self-esteem and are subject to ridicule in society and even prone to rejection by their own family. Those who kick the habit should rejoice their rebirth and diligently guard self from the temptation of consuming alcohol once again,” she advised.

Rohini K, secretary, State Temperance Board, who handed over cheque for Rs 9.65-lakh to Ramaswami, president of the Vedike on behalf of the board for conducting the camps said people should steer clear of vices that hastens a person’s end. Alcoholics should lead a life of peace and contentment for the larger good of their husbands/wife and their children. The board has sanctioned Rs 20 lakh to the vedike to hold 165 camps, she added.

Veerendra Heggade, who chaired the function, said driving under influence of alcohol is the single major reason for road accidents. “Alcoholics are not sinners or cheats. Those who have given up the habit have come with your families and in obtaining grace of Lord Manjunatha, the presiding deity, become pure. This determination should henceforth keep you away from alcohol at all costs and help other addicts’ reform and turn over a new leaf,” he added.

The move by union government to strengthen rules and enhance fines for traffic violations is correct. However, it is not correct on part of the government to hike the fines manifold times. People guilty of minor violation of traffic rules should be served notice, educated about their mistake and given time to rectify it. If they fail to do so, then penalty should be collected. I will write a letter to the state government in this regard, Heggade added.