Mysuru: “If at all we need prohibition on liquor, it should be enforced throughout the country and not in a few States,” opined Chief Minister Siddharamaiah. He was speaking after inaugurating a programme organised jointly by Karnataka State Temperance Board (KSTB), District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Information and Public Relations and Department of Kannada & Culture at Kalamandira here on Tuesday for the presentation of  ‘Samyama Award.’

Siddharamaiah said that implementation of prohibition was very difficult as it makes way for people to consume more alcohol procured illegally and also boosts the production and sale of illicit liquor, triggering several deaths sometimes. He contended that a national policy on prohibition should only be feasible. Recalling his experience as a member of a Committee to study modalities to introduce prohibition, the CM said that he had toured several States where prohibition was in force and pointed out that illegal trading of liquor and illicit liquor production and sale were rampant.

Referring to revenue collection, Siddharamaiah said that liquor was second highest revenue grosser through excise but lamented that the expenditure too was much more on that. Hence he asked people to develop awareness on adverse effects of liquor.

The CM presented ‘Samyama Award’ to Psychiatrist Dr. C.R. Chandrashekar, Ningaraj Malladi, Founder of ‘Belaku’ organisation in Hunsur and Dr. H.C. Sadashivaiah, President, Orchard organisation, Tumakuru. The award carried a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh. Laptops were distributed to meritorious SC/ST students. The Board also released a book ‘Hosa Drushti, Hosa Daari.’

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji and Huliyur Siddaganga Mutt Seer Sri Siddalinga Swamiji graced the occasion. District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, MLAs Vasu, M.K. Somashekar, H.P. Manjunath, Kalale N. Keshavamurthy, Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, KSTB Chairman H.C. Rudrappa, ZP President Nayeema Sulthana & DC D. Randeep were present.