Karnataka Minister Urges Villagers to Help Police Curb Illicit Liquor

Karnataka Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Lad, who is also the in-charge minister for Dharwad district, has called on residents and local leaders to cooperate with the police in eliminating the sale of illicit liquor and arrack in rural areas.

Speaking at a Praja Seva Andolana meeting held at the Devara Hubballi Gram Panchayat premises in Dharwad taluk on Wednesday, Lad said alcohol and arrack addiction were ruining the lives of young people and their families. He urged villagers to share information about illegal liquor sales with the police and support efforts to shut down unauthorised outlets.

Lad directed the police to conduct immediate raids and take action against those involved in such sales. He also cautioned officials that strict action would be taken against anyone found neglecting their duties or violating government rules while handling illicit liquor cases.

Earlier, Lad performed the bhoomi puja for the construction of a concrete road in Devara Hubballi village along the Nigadi–Devagiri district main road. The project, estimated to cost ₹1.5 crore, addresses a long-standing demand of local residents and is expected to improve connectivity and transportation.

During the meeting, Lad listened to residents' grievances and instructed officials to provide laptops to eligible girl students and distribute two-wheelers to persons with disabilities.

The minister also encouraged villagers to work together to resolve local issues and urged young people to engage in social service with rational thinking, rather than confining politics to allegations and counter-allegations.

Lad announced that Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas would be formed at every gram panchayat, as envisaged by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Each sangha would include at least 100 young men and women aged 16 to 35 from diverse castes and communities. These organisations would be eligible for government incentives of up to ₹10 lakh per year.

The initiative aims to promote rational thinking among youth and spread the ideas of Basavanna, B.R. Ambedkar, and the Buddha through cultural programmes and plays, contributing to an egalitarian society, Lad added.