Anti-liquor campaigners meet Prez Murmu, seek total prohibition

A six-member delegation of anti-liquor campaigners led by Padma Charan Nayak, veteran freedom fighter; and convenor of Liquor-Free India Movement and President of Milita Odisha Nisha Nibaran Abhijan (MONNA), called on President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday seeking total prohibition.

The delegation apprised the President of the devastating impact of liquor and narcotics on individuals, families, and society.

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They further highlighted that alcohol addiction has become a major cause of domestic violence, crime, poverty, ill health, and moral degradation across India. They emphasized that state-level prohibition policies cannot succeed without national coordination, as liquor infiltration from neighbouring states undermines such efforts.

The delegation also referred to Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India, which clearly directs the State to prohibit intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health. The delegation urged the President, as the supreme custodian of the Constitution, to intervene and advise both the Central and State Governments to take effective steps for implementing prohibition, as it is a constitutional mandate.

The President gave a patient hearing and expressed deep concern over the growing moral decay and socio-economic ruination caused by the liquor menace across the country. She stated that she herself has observed the moral degradation and cultural erosion at all levels of society and agreed that the issue requires urgent national attention.

She assured the delegation that she would write to the Central Government and the Government of Odisha, urging them to seriously consider and take necessary steps towards nationwide prohibition in the larger interest of the people—particularly women, youth, and economically weaker sections.

The delegation members who met the president are Padma Charan Nayak – Convenor, Liquor-Free India Movement & President, MONNA, Sultan Singh (UP), Kalyani Palui (West Bengal), Ravinder Singh (Delhi), Gitanjali Swain and Kanhu Charan Behura (both from Odisha).