On an average, 1,440 people die every month in the state due to alcohol-related illnesses, a report by the state de-addiction centre has claimed.
On an average, 1,440 people die every month in the state due to alcohol-related illnesses, a report by the state de-addiction centre has claimed. The centre is supposed to get half of the total revenue of the state excise department, but this year, the latter earned Rs 18,000 crore while the centre has received only '30 lakh.
Out of the total funds received by the centre, Rs 5 lakh has been diverted to the natural calamities fund, an official from the centre said. “As per the latest date by the Centre, 1,440 people die every month due to alcohol related health hazards. The mortality rate is 33 lakh in the country as per the Centre’s information,” the official said.
The de-addiction centre was set up 58 years ago on the recommendation of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj. Maharashtra is the only state that has such an initiative. However, the centre has one representative in each district, and they work on a salary of Rs 4,000 per month, the official said.
Addiction patterns, as per the report, among children are also worrisome. “Every 16th second, a child consumes tobacco,” the official said.
Social justice minister Rajkumar Badole admitted that addiction is killing the youth. “We are trying to bring awareness among the people against any addiction, that is hazardous. I also assure you that funds for the de-addiction centre will be increased and I will convene a special meeting for this,” he said.
