Hazare criticises Mah Govt's decision on beer bar licence fee

Kolhapur, Mar 4 (UNI) Social activist Anna Hazare today criticised Maharashtra government's decision to provide beer bar licences at cheaper rates in rural areas, saying it would ''encourage alcoholism'' among the people.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Hazare said Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, who also holds Home portfolio, had imposed a ban on dance bars in Mumbai. However, the state government's decision to provide beer bar licences at cheaper rates in the rural areas would adversly affect rural life.

Expressing serious concern over the government's decision, he feared that this would lead to a rise in alcoholism among the rural populace and disturb the family life.

The anti-corruption crusader said the efforts were on for re-constitution of the 'bhrastachar' (corruption) Jan Andolan Nyas, led by him, with the inclusion of more youths in the fold to strengthen the organisation.

Replying to a question, Mr Hazare said he had already launched an awareness campaign among the rural people and farmers about the Right to Information Act, which, he believed, was the need of the hour for a healthy democracy.

UNI