Some are aware while others are oblivious about it. It is necessary for Goans to understand the importance of this issue in the interest of their children.
Various reports indicate that consumption of the narcotic such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is widespread among school children. Another commonly available substance is MDMA (ecstasy), often found at rave parties and Sunburn festivals. When it has the combination of alcohol, immediate cardiac arrest is the result.
The recent change of raising licence fees for new liquor outlets within 100 metres of educational institutions and religious places with government approval has drawn criticism right and left from opposition, ‘Bailancho Saad’, activists, religious leaders and politicians. But the government quickly responded that such permits to liquor outlets within 100 metres of education and religious institutions, already existed in the past; and by doubling the fees the government was only trying to dissuade those seeking such licences in future by raising the licence fees.
The impact on children’s education and on their health will put them at risk of abuse, and corruption. Last year, a minor, drinking and driving at St Jacinto Island, a fatal accident killed a woman.
Liquor shop owners would not mind paying high licence fees to open new outlets because they know that it will increase their profit; besides that the State will increase its revenue and attract holidaymakers and tourism will flourish in this tiny State tucked away in the West corner of the country; known as ‘Rome of the East; Garden of Eden –synonymous with ‘Paradise on Earth.’ However, many argue that liquor outlets near schools will adversely affect the psyche of the growing children with ‘choti si asha’. Even in the Bible, Adam and Eve were tempted to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. More drunkards, gamblers, squanderers of money will happen with outlets near schools and the consequences will have to be borne by families of addicts; indicating to the public how easily Adam and Eve were led astray.
The effect of alcohol, many are aware, leads to drunk driving on highways and byways, killing innocent lives; besides, domestic violence, rape, financial imprudence and crimes. There is no doubt that it can lead to serious health problems such as brain damage, heart failure, liver disease, cancer, etc, ruining family life economically and socially. The men-folk get drunk, blow their wages on booze and beat their wives and die with liver cirrhosis.
Alcohol is a social nuisance and killer. Therefore, it is banned in some States in India. Thinking that it would be an essential step, which would indirectly cause savings in the household, but we have seen prohibition is a failure. It has not produced any desirable effect. It has aggravated the problem all the more wherever it is introduced. So, many ask, “Can sale of alcohol be banned in Goa?” In Goa, during the generation of our grandparents, a group of individuals or family, often based in a home, used to distil country liquor. It was a cottage industry producing palm and cashew ‘feni’ (local liquor). It was available anywhere and everywhere. What’s wrong and what’s right was left to an individual’s preference and not to State’s interference.
To ensure the safety and well-being of our children, community and future generations, it is imperative that we critically evaluate and address the location of liquor outlets. Balancing economic benefits and the moral and social fabric of our society is crucial. Only through collective awareness and proactive measures can we protect our youth and foster a healthier, safer environment for all.