Activists from Odisha meet President Droupadi Murmu, discuss nation-wide prohibition | Bhubaneswar News

Bhubaneswar: A six-member delegation from Odisha led by Padma Charan Nayak, veteran Gandhian and prohibitionist, met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday and discussed the need for total prohibition in the country.Nayak, president of Milita Odisha Nisha Nibaran Abhijan (MONNA), apprised the President of the devastating impact of liquor and narcotics on individuals, families, and society. He highlighted that alcohol addiction has become a major cause of domestic violence, crime, poverty, ill-health, and moral degradation across India.The members of the delegation emphasised that state-level prohibition policies cannot succeed without national coordination, as liquor infiltration from neighbouring states undermines such efforts.During the discussion, the delegation also referred to Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India, which clearly directs the state to prohibit intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health.The delegation urged the President to intervene and advise both the Centre and state govts to take effective steps to implement prohibition, as it is a constitutional mandate.“The President gave a patient hearing and expressed deep concern over the growing moral decay and socio-economic ruination caused by the liquor menace across the country. She assured the delegation that she would write to the Centre and Odisha govt on this issue,” said Nayak.