Kochi: The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) Anti-Liquor Committee has strongly criticized the state government for what it calls a "reckless and hazardous" approach to alcohol regulation. During its recent state leadership meeting, the committee accused the government of embracing a dangerously permissive stance toward liquor sales, warning that such policies could lead to serious social consequences.
The leadership asserted that the state’s increasing leniency in licensing and operating liquor outlets is in direct contradiction to public health goals and the wider fight against substance abuse. They emphasized the urgent need for a policy reversal to protect the wellbeing of society, especially the youth.
As part of the Church’s counter-initiative, all educational institutions across Kerala will observe International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26. On this day, students will take an anti-drug pledge and receive awareness messages highlighting the perils of substance abuse. The state-level inauguration of this campaign will be held a day earlier, on June 25, in Thrissur.
Meanwhile, the KCBC Anti-Liquor Committee’s state-level annual general body meeting is scheduled for June 24 at the Pastoral Orientation Centre (POC) in Palarivattom, where key strategies to strengthen anti-liquor and anti-drug initiatives will be discussed.
The leadership meeting was chaired by State General Secretary Fr. John Areekal and officially inaugurated by State Chairman Bishop Dr. U. Hanon Mar Theodosius. The event saw active participation from a wide range of clergy and lay leaders including State Secretary Prasad Kuruvilla, Antony Jacob, K.P. Mathew, C.X.S. Boni, Fr. Devasi Pantallookkaran, Fr. Anthony Arakkal, Anthony Kutty Chethalan, Thomas Koshy, T.S. Abraham, Fr. Wilson Kuruttuparampil, Fr. Jinu Charathuchamakkala, Fr. Helbin Meempallil, Fr. Tony Kottakkal, Fr. Thomas Shaji, Fr. Mathew Kuzhippallil, and Fr. Gerald Joseph.
The meeting concluded with a call for unified action against substance abuse and a renewed commitment to uphold the values of temperance and social responsibility.