Gadchiroli Village Implements Liquor Ban with Penalties, Ration Card Cancellations A village in Gadchiroli district, Kotgal, has enacted a strict ban on liquor, accompanied by penalties for violators, including the cancellation of ration cards and disqualification from government welfare schemes. The decision was inspired by similar anti-liquor measures in Bamanpalli, where villagers imposed fines on liquor traders to address domestic violence. The funds generated from penalties were allocated for community development projects. The Gram Sabha in Kotgal recently passed a resolution aimed at transforming the village into a model liquor-free community. Under the new rules, anyone found selling or distributing liquor will face penalties, lose their ration card, and be barred from participating in government welfare programs. Additionally, criminal cases will be registered against offenders through a dispute resolution committee and police involvement. Residents who provide credible information about illegal liquor sellers or brewers will receive a cash reward of Rs3,000, with the identities of informants kept confidential. Women from the village played a leading role in the initiative, highlighting the impact of alcohol abuse on families. They emphasized that alcohol addiction among men has led to frequent domestic disputes, abuse, and health issues, straining family incomes and well-being. The Gram Sabha meeting, attended by panchayat members, NGO representatives, police officials, and villagers, underscored the community’s commitment to addressing the problem. Kotgal, with a population of around 3,300 across 820 households, has faced significant challenges due to alcohol-related issues. The village is now being recognized as an example of grassroots action against liquor abuse in the district.#gadchiroli_district #bamanpalli #kotgal_village #gram_sabha #panchayat
