Bengaluru: Karnataka incurs a staggering Rs 51,000 crore annually in social costs due to heavy consumption of alcohol, according to the state's excise reforms report prepared by the Resource Mobilisation Committee. Citing data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2021, the report released by the government late Wednesday reveals that Karnataka ranks seventh among the highest alcohol-consuming states, with per capita consumption at 9.1 litres per year—significantly above the national average of 6.4 litres.
Alcohol Consumption Patterns
The report states that while overall consumption remains relatively low at 8.6%—compared to the national average of 10% among those aged above 15 years—a smaller segment of heavy drinkers is driving up social and economic costs. The committee notes that alcohol-related harm accounts for an estimated 1.4% to 2.6% of gross state domestic product (GSDP). These costs include impact on families through domestic violence, road accidents caused by drunk driving, pressure on the healthcare system due to liver disease and alcohol use disorders, and financial strain on low-income households where spending is diverted from essentials such as food, health, and education.
Market Size and Fiscal Contribution
The report states Karnataka is one of India's largest and fastest-growing alcohol markets, both in terms of consumption and fiscal contribution. "Industry data for the 2024-25 fiscal shows Karnataka sold 6.8 crore cases of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), accounting for about 17% of total IMFL sales in India," said the report. NFHS data showed that about 16.5% of men aged 15-49 in Karnataka reported consuming alcohol, compared to just 0.9% of women, reflecting a strong gender disparity.
Gender Disparity and Social Impact
"While men account for the overwhelming majority of alcohol consumers, women and children frequently bear a disproportionate share of the social and economic consequences associated with harmful alcohol use," the committee observed. The report also linked alcohol consumption to cases of domestic distress recorded at One Stop Centres (OSCs) across the state. Between 2022-23 and 2024-25, these centres registered 6,553 and 7,861 cases annually, including domestic violence and marital conflict.
Alcohol-Linked Cases at One Stop Centres
"A substantial share of these cases was associated with alcohol consumption within households," said the committee. "Alcohol-linked cases numbered 1,598 in 2022-23, 1,224 in 2023-24, and 1,498 in 2024-25, with more than 1,200 cases already recorded in the ongoing financial year 2025-26. These figures illustrate that alcohol misuse is a recurring factor in cases requiring state-supported protection services."
Comparative State Data
On a high: Andhra Pradesh: 17.1 litres per person per year; Goa: 13.6 litres; Punjab: 11.5 litres; Delhi: 10.5 litres; Haryana: 10.3 litres; Tamil Nadu: 9.4 litres; Karnataka: 9.1 litres (Source: NFHS 2021).
