Gujarat imposed liquor ban on May 1, 1960, in a law dedicated to the Mahatma. However, it is also a valid example of how badly a state government can fail in implementing a law it believes in. The 2009 Gujarat hooch tragedy where over 100 died after drinking country-made liquor was an eye-opener of the mere outward show of the prohibition. Over the years, while illegal liquor still manages to find its way into the region, the administration has been giving its best to curb the issue.
After Bihar's ban on liquor and its impending success, experts in Gujarat spoke on the ban and the state they know best.
Kamla Gurjar
Former Gujarat State Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment,
President, 'Adarsh Mahila Samaj'
“Gujarat has been a dry state for years, however, people resort to illegal consumption of alcohol. This is the result of a lack of proper action. For example, the state calls consumption of tobacco and other similar products illegal, but, it also allows promotion of certain products in the media. We don't just need a law, we need a strict implementation of the same.”
Sudarshan Iyengar
Gandhian
“While people in Gujarat, despite the ban, have access to alcohol, can we get into a bar openly to get drunk? No. At least with the ban, people who want to drink, go through a little trouble to illegally get their hands on booze. They make 500 calls, take a drive to Abu Road. If we open up liquor selling facilities like tea shops, every kid will go there. We need to think about the youth. We are now striving to help people quit tobacco and cigarettes. So if we can do that, we need to also say no to liquor.”
Rupa Vaghela
Trustee, 'Spandan'
“Gujarat has imposed a ban on the product since the formation of the state and it has by and large, kept people out of the dangerous habit. However, it has also prompted people to cling to illegal ways of consuming and selling alcohol. The only usefulness of the law is that persons who savour the habit of drinking, cannot do so out in the open. Which, positively affects women and children.”
Ela Bhatt
Founder, Sewa
“I have seen that the kids who grow up in regions that sell alcohol, are adversely affected. At least with the ban in Gujarat, people don't get their hands on liquor easily. Western countries consume alcohol differently. They use it as medicine. But in India, even if we consider the issue geographically, there are no harsh weather conditions that would prompt consumption of alcohol. People should ask themselves if it is absolutely necessary.”
Dr Neeta Goswami
Parkinson's Specialist
“Medically speaking, intoxicating substances aggravate Parkinson's symptoms. Cases for the disease are comparatively lesser in Gujarat, and the credit goes to the ban. Our women and children are safer as compared to those in other states. Yes, alcohol is available illegally, but at least you don't encounter drunk people out in the open streets.”
Gaurang Jani
Sociologist
“Gujarat has been following Gandhiji's principles of completely barring the consumption of alcohol. The decision has proven useful as families have maintained and enjoyed financial stability in the region. Other states should take a leaf out of Gujarat's book to retain capital and peace in their societies.”
Hansal Bhachech
Psychiatrist
“The benefit of the liqour ban in Gujarat is that the state is more stable and peaceful as compared to other states. As open consumption is not allowed, people do not behave unbecomingly which in turn stops several crimes including rape and kidnapping. A ban on alcohol is one of the best decisions made by Gujarat, and should be followed by others.”
