18/02/2016
Our historic decision to close down 730 bar hotels was one of the boldest decisions taken by this government and the same has resulted in reducing the consumption of alcohol in the state by 34%. It has yielded measurable results in the area of supply reduction. This was not without a price; our government administrators were subjected to baseless allegations. We are not bothered by these allegations; while the powerful and the richest were the sufferers in this decision, the powerless and the poor were the benefactors of this policy.
The tears of mothers should be wiped and children should be saved from domestic violence, they should be allowed to enjoy their childhood.
Crime rates have come down significantly, the number of accidents has reduced, the quality of life of several families have improved. All though a majority of addicts still have to be saved, as the Chief Minister of the state with the motto Development and Care, I have a sense of pride and fulfilment that we have done what was right for the society.
Today the world has recognised the state for its alcohol policy. Mr. Rutherford, the architect of the global alcohol policy initiated by World Health Organisation is present in this international conference. His presence and support for the alcohol policy of our government serve as a moral boost for us and a message to many. There are other members whose presence reiterates the correctness of the alcohol policy of the state government.
The government has adopted this policy after extensive deliberations. We want to reduce supply and co-ordinate all activities for demand reduction as well as research, monitoring and evaluation. Hence we have constituted Subodham as a special administrative mechanism to co-ordinate all the activities under one umbrella and to undertake the activities in a sustainable manner. Kerala will become the first alcohol addiction free state in India in 2030. If we succeed, the world will recognise it as a new Kerala Model in this field. I want to congratulate Mr. K Babu,hon. minister of excise who is also the Chairman of Subodham for his bold and visionary initiatives.
The first international conference on effective strategies for the prevention of alcohol and substance abuse is a model programme to learn from the best practices in this area from across the globe as well as to showcase Kerala's experience in this field.
The world has heard us, and the world has seen our work so far, the world is recognising our significant path breaking initiatives. It is for all of us to stand together to realise a society without alcohol and substance abuse.
