Mangaluru: In his maiden visit to the city after swearing in as state minister for excise, R B Thimmapur after holding a review meeting with officials of the excise department on September 28 said the excise department should on utmost priority, curtail drug menace which is rampant nearby schools and colleges in the district.
“In many places including Dakshina Kannada, the drugs menace is rampant and this making the youth wayward. The excise department is all set to curb this drug menace and has strengthened the district level implementation committee. This committee will hold meetings with school-college managements, principals and take necessary steps to bring students out of drug addiction. The aim of the department is not only to generate income but also have a social concern towards society,” the minister said.
On the question of introducing ban on liquor, he said since liquor exists since from several years, it was not so easy to ban it. “We cannot ask those who drink not to do so. Instead we can take preventive measures against illicit liquor. The drugs menace is rampant and more than liquor. In the district, during 2016-17, five ganja cases have been traced, out of which 25.278 kg of the drug has been seized”, he added.
On vacant posts in Dakshina Kannada, the minister said the government had sanctioned 233 posts. “Presently 120 people are working in the district. To fill vacant posts in the state, the process of recruiting 1200 guards and 250 sub inspectors has begun”, he added.
In the present year, the department has the target of generating Rs 18050 Crore but in 6 months, only Rs 8305 Crore has been collected bringing the total revenue generation to 46 percent, Thimmapur said.
In Dakshina Kannada, out of 1451 bars, 1260 bars have already renewed license, he said adding that opportunity would be provided to the remaining bars to renew their license.
Excise Joint Commissioner Shailaja A Khote was also present.
