Railapur gram panchayat in Medak to impose fine of Rs.1 lakh fine to curb liquor, ganja menace
The newly elected Railapur gram panchayat in Medak district has imposed a Rs 1 lakh fine on liquor and ganja sales, banned consumption near public institutions, and announced rewards for whistle-blowers as part of a major crackdown on substance abuse.
Medak: To curb liquor consumption in the village, the newly elected body of Railapur gram panchayat in Ramayampet mandal has resolved to impose a fine of Rs.1 lakh on anyone caught selling liquor in the village. The panchayat also decided to impose the same fine on those found selling or consuming ganja.
The gram panchayat further resolved to prohibit liquor consumption near schools, hospitals and temples, with violators facing a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
The decision was taken in view of a sharp increase in liquor consumption, as residents could easily procure liquor from belt shops operating round the clock at walkable distances.
Village Sarpanch Susheela said that all ward members, irrespective of political affiliation, supported the move as they too were directly or indirectly affected by liquor sales in the village.
The panchayat also announced a cash reward of Rs 10,000 for whistle-blowers who provide information on liquor sales in the village, assuring that their identities would not be disclosed.
In addition, the panchayat strictly prohibited the sale of cigarettes to minors. Minors would be allowed to purchase cigarettes only with the permission of their parents.
The gram panchayat also vowed to initiate stern action against drivers indulging in rash driving of two-wheelers, autorickshaws, tractors and four-wheelers, with the aim of ensuring road safety for pedestrians.
Villagers thanked the panchayat for adopting what they described as a bold resolution at the start of the new year and vowed to support all such measures.
