Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 17: Senior Congress leader and former minister Dr Manohar Lal Sharma has alleged that BJP leadership was promoting sale of liquor in the city of temples.
In a press statement here the Congress leader said that a deputation of wine shops salesmen and workers met him today and apprised about their genuine demands and grievances. It is matter of great concern that the working hours of liquor shops have been enhanced to 13 hours a day with out any break for lunch and there is no weekly holiday such as Sunday. There are only six holidays in a year to the wine shop sales men and no extra emoluments or perks are given even their salary is much less. As per Labour laws there is only 8 hours working time but the men are made to work for 13 hours a day.
He pointed out that excess alcohol consumption and easy availability of alcohol is not a good sign for making healthy atmosphere for a civilized society. The enhancement of working hours for opening of wine shops in night hours will further aggravate the problems whether they are social or domestic. In Jammu, there are about 300 wine shops as compared to Srinagar where only three wine shops are functioning. It seems to be a deliberate attempt to spoil the youth of Jammu particularly. The previous practice was that the opening of wine shops was restricted up to 6 PM which gradually extended up to 9 PM and now by new order the time has been extended up to 10 PM.
Mr Sharma accused the BJP of promoting liquor sales in city of temples to spoil the rich religious values and Dogra culture which is a great threat to the young generation. It is vital step towards the destabilization of socio- economic balance as the easily availability of liquor during late hours at night will certain lay impact. Dr Sharma appealed the BJP- PDP Government to withdraw the decision immediately in the interest of general public mostly the women who are the worst sufferer of domestic violence due to excessive use of liquor.
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