Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi
Belagavi, Dec 9: A discussion on alcohol consumption turned heated during the Winter Session of the Karnataka Legislative Council on Monday, with BJP MLC Ravikumar urging the state government to reserve a portion of its excise revenue for the treatment of drinkers suffering from alcohol-related illnesses.
Raising the issue under Rule 330, Ravikumar said that nearly 3% of alcohol consumers are falling ill due to conditions such as jaundice and liver damage, and the cost of treatment is rising sharply. He argued that 20% of the state’s revenue from liquor sales should be set aside specifically for treating such ailments.
He claimed that many drinkers are dying prematurely due to jaundice and liver-related complications, and said, “If the government supports their treatment, people will drink more, and the government will earn more revenue.”
Ravikumar further stated that guarantee schemes are effectively being funded by habitual drinkers. “More than 2% of drinkers are dying. Across the country, 15 lac people have lost their lives. One in five drinkers dies due to jaundice. Drinkers are contributing significantly to the government’s income. Allocate 20% of this for their treatment,” he urged.
Govt says separate grant not possible
Excise minister R B Timmapur, responding in writing, said that allocating a separate fund for the medical treatment of alcohol consumers is not feasible.
He said that revenue generated from the excise department already flows into the health sector, and citizens receive treatment under various National Health Mission schemes. “Funds are allocated as per the requirements of the health department,” he clarified.
The minister also informed the Council that beer sales have dropped significantly this year. From April to September 2025, 195 lac cases of beer were sold, a decline of 47 lac cases compared to the same period last year — a fall of 19.55%. Heavy rains and cold weather across the state have contributed to the drop. Revenue collected through excise duties is being utilised for various government programmes, he added.
MLCs raise concerns over social impact
Participating in the debate, MLC K Shivakumar said that in parts of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, women as young as 25 are becoming widows due to alcohol-related deaths. “Young men are losing their lives. When S M Krishna was CM, liquor sales within 5 km of tribal areas were banned. Today, liquor reaches doorsteps,” he said. He alleged that labourers are being encouraged to drink so that they can be made to work harder, and demanded that the government avoid opening more liquor outlets and appoint gastroenterologists in every district.
Amid the discussion, MLC Bharathi Shetty intervened, saying one bottle of beer does not damage the liver. “There is a saying—drinking is enjoyable, but crossing the limit is dangerous. When hard liquor doesn’t give enough ‘kick’, men drink beer along with it, and then they don’t realise what they are doing. Those who are sober know what happens,” she said. She urged young people not to drink beyond limits and stressed the need to create awareness among youth.