Maha govt nod for wine sale in supermarkets taken for financial gains: Anna Hazare

Social activist Anna Hazare on Monday said it was unfortunate that Maharashtra government was giving priority to liquor sale for financial gains, days after state government allowed sale of wine in supermarkets and walk-in shops.

Maharashtra Skill Development Minister Nawab Malik h last Thursday said state cabinet took decision to give a boost to fruit-based wineries which provide ditional income to farmers.

Hazare in a statement on Monday said it is government's duty to discourage people from drugs, alcohol and diction. It is s to see that decisions are being me to promote alcohol and diction only for revenue generation, he said.

" Maharashtra government recently decided to allow sale of wine in supermarkets and grocery stores. This decision is very unfortunate for people of Maharashtra. state government said decision was taken in interest of farmers. state government also said wine is not alcohol. real question is where will such a decision take state?" activist asked.

While people of state are protesting against government's decision, those in government are supporting it, he said. 

"It is unfortunate for people of this state that government has given priority to sale of liquor in this way only to generate revenue," Hazare said. 

Talking about interest of farmers, he said state and central governments should provide a fair price for what ordinary cultivators grow in ir fields. 

"But, what exactly government wants to achieve by setting a target of selling 1,000 crore litres of wine a year? This means government is okay with people getting dicted, but it (government) will insist that its revenue should increase," he said.

Hazare also said that in November last year, Maharashtra government reduced Excise duty on imported Scotch whiskey by 50 per cent. 

government plans to increase sale of such liquor and increase its revenue from Rs 100 crore to Rs 250 crore, he ded.