Kerala Catholic Church Condemns State Government Over Proliferation of Liquor Outlets
In a significant move, the Temperance Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) has issued a strongly worded circular that was read out in Catholic churches across the state. This circular sharply criticizes the state government for what it describes as a alarming increase in the number of liquor outlets in Kerala, directly linking this to a surge in drug abuse among the youth.
Church Accuses Government of Broken Promises and Indifference
The circular, authored by Bishop Ambrose Puthanveetil, chairman of the Temperance Commission, highlights a stark contrast between the government's pre-election promises and its actions once in power. According to the document, when the ruling front assumed office in 2016, it pledged not to permit any additional alcohol availability beyond existing levels. However, the Church alleges that this commitment was swiftly abandoned, with the administration freely issuing licenses to bars and other alcohol outlets.
The circular states, "When the Church and its institutions are actively combating alcohol and deadly drugs, it is perilous when those in power remain indifferent or are eager to allow their spread without restriction." This sentiment underscores the Church's frustration with what it perceives as governmental negligence in addressing substance abuse issues.
Alarming Statistics and the Rise of Drug Abuse
The document provides detailed figures to illustrate the scale of the problem. It notes that with only days remaining before upcoming elections, the second Left government in Kerala presides over a state flooded with:
- Over 1,000 bars
- More than 337 Bevco-Consumerfed outlets
- Around 5,071 toddy shops
This proliferation, the Church argues, has not only failed to curb alcohol consumption but has also contributed to a dangerous escalation in drug abuse. The circular refutes the administration's claim that limited alcohol availability led to the surge in dangerous drugs, labeling it as a pretext for issuing numerous bar licenses. "The stark truth is that those who were drinking alcohol did not switch to using dangerous drugs. It is our children and youth who are falling into the trap of these deadly substances," the statement emphasizes.
Widespread Drug Menace and Societal Impact
Highlighting the severity of the drug crisis, the circular points out that substances like MDMA and hybrid cannabis are now widespread across Kerala. It accuses authorities responsible for taking strict action of diverting society's attention to new issues, thereby neglecting this pressing menace. Even young girls are being ensnared by the drug mafia, the document warns, urging parents to remain extremely vigilant to protect their children's future.
The issuance of this circular coincides with the Kerala Catholic Church observing March 8 as Anti-Alcohol and Drug Day, underscoring its ongoing commitment to combating substance abuse. This move reflects the Church's active role in societal issues, positioning itself as a moral watchdog against policies it deems harmful to public health and youth welfare.
As the state approaches elections, this criticism from a influential religious body adds a significant dimension to the political discourse, potentially impacting public opinion and policy debates around alcohol regulation and drug prevention strategies in Kerala.
