KCBC panel slams tax cut move on low-alcohol drinks

Bishop Ambrose Puthenveettil, chairperson of the Temperance Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), has come out against the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s Budget proposal for tax cuts on low-alcohol beverages.

In a message issued on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday, the bishop said no political front or government could ignore public sentiment and remain committed to a policy that went against the interests of the people.

“The government should take into account the report submitted by former Excise Commissioner Rishiraj Singh during the previous government’s tenure, which warned that the production and distribution of low-alcohol beverages could expose even students to the dangers of alcohol,” the bishop said.

He added that the UDF should uphold its long-standing policy on liquor as well as the commitments made in its election manifesto. “The government should not proceed with a liquor policy that is harmful to society, and it will trigger strong public protests,” he added.

On the UDF government’s anti-drug drive ‘Operation Toofan’, the bishop said the achievements of such a mission should not be undermined by encouraging the spread of another form of intoxicant.