SSC-CGL (TIER-III) - Alcohol Prohibition- myth and reality
Category : SSC
ALCOHOL PROHIBITION
MYTH AND REALITY
Key Points:
INTRODUCTION
WHY PROHIBITION
AGAINST PROHIBITTION
THE ESSAY BEGINS...
"Prohibition is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason .n that it attempts ro control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes."
This quote by Abraham Lincoln summarizes how a legislation of prohibition stands in a democratic society.
Alcohol ban has been attempted in multiple states with the latest being in Uttarakhand where the state government was ordered by the High Court to impose alcohol ban in three districts citing religious reasons. Other states are also pondering to move in the same line, but the wider question still exists whether the ban is fundamentally right or not.
All sorts of prohibitions happen when the state feels the citizens are doing something that is against public interest. Alcohol ban is justified saying they cause harm to the individual and make him behave against public order. 70% of accidents in India are attributed to drunken driving and so are many cases of violence against women. Health being a state subject, state government is empowered to impose these bans.
Alcohol and related products contributes more than 20% of the revenue in most states, and the sector provides employment to thousands. More than a fifth of the world's alcohol is consumed by India, and of this two-third is recorded. With alcohol ban in place, this business will only go underground since those who are addicted will search for alternate options, thus leading to entry of hooch liquor.
Any sort of prohibition put a limitation on individual liberty and thus, it should always be taken as a last resort. Alcohol bans in other countries haven't proved much successful since it's illegally available albeit at higher prices. Criminalizing it also makes criminals out of people who are just victims of addiction.
It being a social issue that affects all sections of society, this menace can be cured by social sanctions and increased awareness more effectively. De-addiction and rehabilitation centers should also be opened by the states so that those who are addicted can be cured of it. Rather than an immediate and blanket ban, the focus should be on gradual change, since such a change will be sure and steady.
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