Government should not fill their coffers at cost of citizen's life

In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic since February, 2020, all news papers are giving top priority to news reports, opinions etc. I wish to highlightcertain key points with a view to get the attention of the concerned.

1. Mahatma Gandhi's wish that his country may be filled with beggers and the hungry but it should not have a single drunkard in our midst, has gone to winds as our rulers do not prefer prohibition in order to fill their coffers full thorough abundant revenue.

In the wake of Covid-19, Central and State governments are extending lot of financial support and supplying free food, vegetables, etc., to the lower middle class and daily wagers. Surprisingly this class people are buying liquor even on escalated rates. Where from are they getting huge amounts suddenly?

Most of the not so rich homemakers are stomping heavily to feed their offspring, as their men never bother under the influence of alcohol. There is absolutely no impact of the statutory warning labelled on the bottles, as 'liquor consumption is harmful to health'.

When the Chief Minister of combined Andhra Pradesh N.T. Ramarao implemented complete prohibition, tipplers bought cartons of liquor from neighbouring states. There are several serious adverse repercussions due to inebriation such as suicides, murders, rapes, breakdown of family relations, etc., for which I dare to say governments are 'solely responsible'.

On behalf of womenfolk in India, I personally appeal to PM Narendra Modi, our dynamic leader to implement prohibition in the country including military canteens as a true mark of tribute to the Father of the Nation. The revenue deficit thus incurred can be gained by way of taxes from one source or the other.

2. Lockdown lost its sheen after third extension. All kinds of businesses, employees in organised and unorganised sectors suffered inexplicably. Indian economy was badly hit to an irrevocable range to the tune of 20 lakh crores as per estimates and Prime Minister's stimulus package now sanctioned aims to streamline the five pillars such as economy, infrastructure, demography, technology and supply chain. I feel this amount is hardly sufficient to cater to the needs of a big country like India with limitless population explosion comprising different cultures, ideology and psychological factors.

3. Certain areas are totally untouched ever since India was unchained from the shackles of British rule because of the selfish needs -- power and pelf. Self reliance as quoted by PM can be realised only with self governance, stable governance, good governance which were the motives bequeathed to the nation by the staunch and selfless freedom fighters. Are we conforming to these principles?

4. India is a cluster of different religions with different ideologies. It never bothered to stand on one thread even in times of crisis as evidenced during ferine corona invasion. We have amended our constitution more than hundred times with a plea to bring more welfare activities. Partly it may be true. It is an unending subject to discuss.

Former President of India K R Narayanan left a question. "We have failed the constitution or constitution has failed us". That erudite excellency's debatable question is still afresh.

N. Padmavathi, Lecturer in Commerce, St. Ann's Degree and PG College for Women, Mallapur, Hyderabad