Alcohol isn’t a drug, says Jyani

Health Minister Surjit Jyani in Gidderbaha sub-division of Muktsar district on Monday. Tribune photo

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Thehri (Gidderbaha), December 21

Though the newly-formed Bihar government has banned liquor, the Punjab government doesn’t consider it a drug. While inaugurating a 50-bed de-addiction and rehabilitation centre built at a cost of Rs 4.3 crore, Health Minister Surjit Jyani today said, “Alcohol is not a ‘nasha’ (drug).” The state government collects a major share of its revenue through the sale of liquor.

On a query, Jyani even said, “The state government permits factories to produce liquor. Liquor vends are auctioned. When the whole process is legal, how can one call alcohol a ‘nasha’. However, it would become a drug the day the state government stops the production of liquor.”

Jyani further said the state was being defamed even though the prevalence of drugs is much higher in other states such as Haryana and Rajasthan. He said the state government had taken a number of steps to stop the smuggling of drugs.

Moreover, he said, a major programme was under way to reform the addicts. “De-addiction and rehabilitation centres are being set up in all 22 districts,” he said.

During the day, Jyani also inaugurated the new building of 10-bed de-addiction centre at Civil Hospital, Malout, and a 30-bed community health centre in Bariwala.

Courtesy: The Tribune