Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS) State Youth President Angshuman Roy has urged the authorities to reconsider and cancel proposals related to procurement and promotion of premium liquor in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, stating that public welfare and essential infrastructure should be given priority over luxury-oriented initiatives.
In a representation submitted to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner South Andaman, senior officials of the A&N Administration, Ministry of Home Affairs and Prime Minister’s Office, Roy expressed concern over recent reports regarding proposed amendments to the Excise Policy and formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for procurement of premium liquors by ANIIDCO.
Referring to reports published in government and private newspapers, Roy stated that at a time when the islands continue to face pressing challenges in healthcare infrastructure, employment generation, information technology development, transport systems, parking management, power supply, drinking water availability and emergency medical services, public resources should be directed toward more urgent public welfare needs.
He stated that expenditure on projects linked to premium liquor procurement and other luxury-focused initiatives does not align with the immediate needs and welfare priorities of island residents. He also noted that the Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized programmes such as Digital India, Start-up India, Skill India and the vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” aimed at creating a healthier society and reducing substance abuse. According to him, encouraging premium liquor-related activities could send contradictory signals to society, particularly to the youth.
Roy further suggested that funds proposed for such activities should instead be utilized for projects directly benefiting the people of the islands, including the establishment of a multi-level parking facility at G.B. Pant Hospital, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, procurement of ambulances, X-ray machines and other medical equipment, creation of a separate Directorate of Information Technology, promotion of Start-up initiatives for local islanders and improvement of other essential civic services.
He stated that island residents expect development focused on healthcare, employment opportunities, education, technology and public infrastructure rather than the expansion of liquor-related activities. He urged the concerned authorities to review the matter sympathetically and take appropriate action in the larger public interest of the island community.
