Nabarangpur: Dabugaon MLA Manohar Randhari has urged the Nabarangpur district administration to withdraw its notification for opening two government-run country liquor outlets, citing sustained protests by women and the potential social consequences of expanding liquor sales.
In a letter to District Collector Madhumita, the MLA sought cancellation of the proposed outlets at Ward No. 17 of Bhatishalguda and Baripadar in Dabugaon block. He described the move as particularly sensitive at a time when women across the district have been campaigning for the closure of liquor shops and a complete prohibition on alcohol sales.
Randhari expressed concern that opening the outlets could encourage alcohol consumption among youths, trigger violent incidents and disturb social harmony. He also pointed out that alcohol consumption has adversely affected families and undermined the potential of young people.
Questioning the rationale behind opening additional liquor outlets for revenue generation, the MLA said the government should explore alternative sources of income rather than compromise the future of the younger generation.
He further argued that Nabarangpur, being a Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) district covered under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, required special consideration, particularly as local residents were opposing the proposed move.
“Please reconsider the decision, cancel the auction process for opening country liquor shops and protect the younger generation and the future of Odisha,” the MLA appealed to the Collector, seeking urgent intervention.
The issue has triggered opposition from the BJD, Congress and the district’s Nari Mahasangha, which have also demanded that the two outlets not be opened.
Women in the district have reportedly been carrying out an agitation for the past eight months and have submitted several representations to the Governor, Chief Minister and District Collector, demanding a ban on liquor sales and cancellation of existing licences.
Meanwhile, the district administration is yet to conduct the lottery for the tender process, which was scheduled for November 12.
However, Collector Madhumita has clarified that the notification does not concern the establishment of new liquor shops but the renewal of licences of existing outlets.
The clarification has failed to allay public apprehensions, with local observers warning that conducting the lottery could trigger further protests in the district.
