Anti liquor Campaign- Case study- PRAKRIYA project

Village Devjani, Block Mori, District-Uttarkashi the formation of woman's self-help groups leads the active anti-liquor campaign in this village. The perpetual habits of liquor consumption put the economic burden on women as the women of this village are solely responsible for doing household duties. The women members of all three groups, viz. RATH, TILLADEI and KOTLIKE groups got together and had discussed the problem of liquor. The framed the rules that any one found guilt of drinking, carrying and selling liquor will be fined and punished. A flat rate of fine, Rs.500 was decided to be imposed on violators of rules and they have also desided to impose ban on selling, drinking and carrying liquor during the MELA (village festivals). They deputed the members of self-help groups in the mela at the different checkpoint in and outside the village boundary to counter the problems. They also informed the district administration and district administration provided full support to the activist. They went to the forest and destroyed the liquor container. They raided the suspected house and warned those who brew liquor. Initially this step evoked the widespread resentment in the area but latter they have taken some stern major action despite the fact that they have received threats and warning.

As of now the women are taking up such cases in different villages/clusters from Ramal village to Dobhal, Binsari & Kharsari. The women have formed a surprise raid committeee which includes/informs Samiti nember (CBO- Sanyukta Parvatiya Vikas Samiti) before taking action. The Patwari is taken along when making a surprise raid. Thus keeping the authorities informed (in confidence) so that it does not backfire on the women's group. Hence the movement is catching on, the impact of this anti liquor movement can be seen in other cluster villages also, those villages which are not covered under this project.

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