CPI demands enforcement of prohibition in a phased manner

: CPI today demanded that the y government enforce prohibition in the Union Territory in a phased manner as the ill effects of alcohol were claiming a large number of lives, particularly in poor families.
Party leader Viswanathan in a release here noted that a movement was on in neighbouring Tamil Nadu for reintroduction of prohibition. "Puducherry should also follow suit and enforce prohibition in a phased manner', he said.
Stating that revenue loss should not be cited as the reason for continuation of wet law, he said government could evolve alternate steps to generate revenue as people's health was more important.

He suggested that government launch a propaganda through Social Welfare department to bring to the notice of the people the evil effects of liquor consumption.
He said steps should be taken to bring down the number of liquor and arrack and toddy shops in a phased manner and also to restrict their working hours. Government should also check functioning of unlicensed shops, he said.