Central Tribal Affairs Minister Attends Prohibition Conference in Jharkhand

02 April 2023, Kharsawan (Saraikela, Jharkhand): One-day prohibition conference was held at Kharsawan, organized by Yuva Jagriti Evang Swavalamban Sangh in collaboration with Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra and Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation. The event was jointly inaugurated by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda and National President of Lok Samiti Shri Girija Satish, with the garlanding of photographs of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Mahatma Gandhi.

The conference was attended by several social workers, including Mr. J. B. Tubid, Mr. Angura Mahato, Mr. Rajesh Singhdev, Mr. Vijay Mahato, Mrs. Sudha Verma, Mrs. Sunita Taped, Mrs. Sushila Nayak, Mr. Ganesh Mahali, Mr. Shankar Rana, and Jharkhand Pradesh Lok Samiti President Mr. Satish Girija.

During his speech, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda paid tribute to the sacrifice of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and highlighted the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in building a healthy-conscious society based on democratic values in India. He emphasized the need to avoid consumption of not only alcohol but also other dangerous drugs.

Shri Girija Satish, the National President of Lok Samiti, discussed Gandhiji’s anti-liquor stand and the constitutional position of prohibition, stating that liquor consumption-drug abuse is a major reason behind unrest, crime, women oppression, road accidents, and is ruining the new generation. He called for political willpower for prohibition and suggested financial discipline, phased prohibition, cooperation of all sections of society, and a rein on social acceptance instead of encouraging liquor for revenue generation.

The Secretary of Yuva Jagriti Evang Swavalamban Sangh, Mr. Rajesh Singhdev, welcomed all the guests and the people participating in the conference, stating that prohibition is a matter of concern for all those who want social change. He demanded that not only liquor but all intoxicants should be banned, including throughout Jharkhand. He expressed that the women of Saraikela have woken up and can complete this difficult task with their determination.

The conference also saw the submission of a memorandum to the Union Tribal Affairs Minister on behalf of Jharkhand Pradesh Lok Samiti regarding the demand for liquor ban. The event was attended by hundreds of people, with a significant number of women leaders such as Mrs. Nidhi Singhdev, Mrs. Baby Oraon, Mrs. Prabhavati Mahato, Mrs. Kunti Behan and Mrs. Rita Mahto.

The conference was an important initiative towards building a healthier and more conscious society, with a focus on the eradication of drug abuse and the demand for prohibition.