Women’s power prevails as Sangareddy’s Korpole gram panchayat passes liquor ban

In a significant move, the Korpole gram panchayat in Sangareddy district, led by sarpanch Sunitha, passed a resolution banning liquor sales in the village despite opposition from tipplers. Women had demanded the ban during Sunitha’s election campaign, citing the social and economic hardships caused by alcoholism.

Sangareddy: Despite strong opposition from tipplers, the Korpole gram panchayat, led by sarpanch Sunitha, successfully passed a resolution prohibiting liquor sales in the village during a gram sabha held in the village centre on Thursday.

As several residents were addicted to liquor, women, who said they were the primary victims of alcoholism, had demanded during Sunitha’s election campaign that she ban liquor sales in the village if she wanted their support. After accepting the demand, Sunitha convened the gram sabha on Thursday to honour the promise made to the women.

---

When the proposal was placed before the villagers, some tipplers strongly objected to the move, saying they would find it difficult to consume liquor if sales were banned. They demanded that women supporting the resolution should instead restrict their husbands and other family members from consuming liquor, rather than backing a ban.

The objections led to heated arguments, with the tipplers confronting Sunitha. However, women ward members and several women villagers stood by the sarpanch and convinced the opponents after prolonged discussions.

The gram sabha finally resolved to prohibit liquor sales in the village amid cheers from the majority of villagers, particularly women. They said several belt shops had been operating in the village, with men purchasing liquor at all hours, including as early as 7 am. The women expressed hope that the non-availability of liquor would restrict consumption to some extent.