Thane, June 3 (PTI) Union minister Ramdas Athawale has said that hand-brewed liquor should be legalised and regulated by the government to ensure safety and revenue generation.
Citing the recent Pune hooch tragedy that claimed about 15 lives, Athawale said daily-wage workers mainly consume hand-brewed liquor.
Government control would ensure quality and curb illegal production, said the RPI (A) chief.
Legalise hand-brewed liquor, which will bring in revenue and can save lives by ensuring safety, he said, adding that it was his personal view The Union minister was speaking to reporters at Bapgaon in Bhiwandi taluka of Maharashtra’s Thane district on Tuesday, after attending a private event. He visited RPI (A) local president Mahendra Gaikwad’s office where a press meet was held.
On the ongoing issue of Maratha reservation, Athawale said his party has always supported the demand. Those with Kunbi records should get OBC (Other Backward Class) certificates, but including the entire Maratha community in OBC was not proper, he said.
The Dalit leader suggested a 10 per cent EWS (Economic Weaker Section) quota for Marathas and said the issue should be decided after the Census.
He added that reservations should not cause injustice to any community and stressed the need to end caste discrimination. “We want people from all castes, creeds and religions in our party,” said Athawale, whose party is a key ally of the ruling BJP. PTI COR NR
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