03 June,2026 11:30 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. File Pic
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has advocated the legalisation and regulation of hand-brewed liquor, arguing that government oversight could help prevent fatalities from illicit alcohol consumption while generating additional revenue for the state.
Athawale made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking to reporters in Bapgaon in Maharashtra's Thane district, days after a suspected hooch tragedy in Pune claimed around 15 lives.
The Republican Party of India (Athawale) leader described the proposal as his personal opinion and said a regulated framework could help address recurring incidents involving spurious liquor.
Referring to the recent deaths linked to the consumption of suspected illicit liquor in Pune, Athawale said many daily-wage workers and low-income groups continue to rely on locally brewed alcohol because of its affordability and easy availability.
According to him, bringing the production and sale of such liquor under government regulation could improve safety standards and reduce the risks associated with illegal manufacturing practices.
"Legalising hand-brewed liquor can generate revenue and save lives by ensuring safety," Athawale said.
His remarks come amid renewed discussions over the effectiveness of enforcement measures against illegal liquor production and distribution in several parts of the country.
Athawale argued that government monitoring would help ensure quality control and reduce the circulation of unsafe alcohol in the market.
Illegal liquor has frequently been linked to poisoning incidents across India, often due to the presence of toxic substances used during production. Experts have long argued that stronger regulation, enforcement and public awareness are essential to preventing such tragedies.
The Union minister suggested that a regulated system could strike a balance between public safety concerns and the reality of existing demand among certain sections of society.
During the interaction, Athawale also addressed the ongoing debate over reservation for the Maratha community in Maharashtra.
He said his party has consistently supported the demand for reservation but maintained that only those Marathas who possess documented Kunbi records should be eligible for Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates.
According to Athawale, extending OBC status to the entire Maratha community would not be appropriate under the current framework.
The Union minister proposed that members of the Maratha community could be accommodated through a 10 per cent reservation under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category.
He said the broader reservation issue should be examined after the completion of the Census, which could provide updated socio-economic data to guide policy decisions.
Athawale emphasised that any reservation policy should be implemented in a manner that does not adversely affect the rights of other communities.
The Dalit leader also stressed the need to eliminate caste-based discrimination and promote social inclusion.
He said his party remains open to people from all castes, communities and religions, reiterating its commitment to social justice and equal opportunities.
(With inputs from PTI)
