Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Apr 25: While COVID - 19 has brought misery to most of the mankind, it could also prove to be a godsend opportunity to get rid of addiction to liquor, if the result of a survey is to be believed. Lacs of families will find a new hope in life if the liquor addicts, mostly men, get rid of drinking.

A survey conducted by Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project along with Akhila Karnataka Janajagruthi Vedike has come to the conclusion that people's lives will dramatically change their course and will begin to move on path of progress if liquor is banned.

The detailed survey was undertaken under the guidance of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade. The survey has brought some interesting and surprising revelations. During the survey conducted by 9,400 representatives from all the districts of Karnataka about the liquor ban enforced as part of the lockdown, 60 percent of the villagers expressed the view that it has positive effects on the village life. As many as 38 percent said it has done extraordinarily well. Eighty-nine percent of the people said that non-availability of liquor in their areas has had a positive effect.

Forty-one percent of the participants of the survey said that happiness has increased in the society because of non-availability of liquor. Sixty-seven percent said that problems like skirmishes, fights or other problems did not happen on account of liquor ban. As many as 43 percent said there have been withdrawal symptoms among the addicts. Thirty percent said depression has arisen on account of liquor shortage. As many as 12 percent spoke about illegal consumption of liquor.

The survey covered a large group of people including liquor lovers and women. Dharmasthala Rural Development Project which has found that liquor sale ban has brought happiness and peace in the families and society and therefore, has been strongly advocating for banning liquor in the state.

The survey was conducted under the leadership of executive director of the project, Dr L H Manjunath. The general opinion the survey gave was that keeping the liquor away for a month has done good to the people and it has not harmed anyone. The survey also found that the society can function without liquor. The pertinent question here is why liquor ban cannot be made permanent. Dr L H Manjunath wants the government to think on these lines.

Director of Akhila Karnataka Janajagrti Vedike Vivek V Pais noted that if the situation continues as it is now for two months, 50 percent of the addicts will get rid of their addiction. He says that the government also will gain in popularity if it takes this measure.