Forum urges CM Revanth to shut belt shops in villages citing rising alcohol consumption

The Forum for Good Governance has urged Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to shut down belt shops operating in villages, citing concerns over rising alcohol consumption and its impact on public health, family welfare and social well-being.

Hyderabad: The Forum for Good Governance has appealed to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to close all belt shops operating in villages in the larger interest of public health, family welfare and social well-being.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), Telangana has recorded the highest level of alcohol consumption in the country. This is a matter of serious concern as excessive alcohol consumption adversely affects public health, household finances and family life. Alcohol consumption is also associated with various social problems, including crimes against women, it said in an appeal submitted to the Chief Minister on Saturday.

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As reported in the NFHS, alcohol consumption among rural men in Telangana stands at 46.6 per cent, compared to 36.3 per cent among urban men. The substantially higher consumption levels in rural areas requires immediate attention, the Forum said.

A couple of decades ago, the availability of liquor in rural areas was largely restricted to mandal headquarters. Due to its limited availability in villages, alcohol consumption was comparatively low. The situation has changed considerably in recent years, the Forum said.

The proliferation of belt shops has made liquor readily available at people’s doorsteps in many villages, it added.

A significant portion of the money spent by the government on various welfare measures may ultimately return to the government exchequer through liquor sales, particularly when beneficiaries spend part of their household income on alcohol.

This could undermine the intended social and economic benefits of welfare programmes, the Forum for Good Governance said.