CPI expresses concern over alcoholism

Puducherry unit of CPI today expressed serious concern over the rise in number of young women becoming widows following death of their husbands addicted to drinking arrack and liquor in the Union Territory.
Talking to reporters here, Secretary of the Puducherry unit of party R Viswanathan said that the party had conducted recently field level surveys which found rise in number of young women becoming widows following the death of their husbands due to addiction to drink.
Viswanathan said that the rise in number of widows was also confirmed with the Puducherry government sanctioning monthly assistance (pension) to widows through Department of Social Welfare.

Propaganda should be made on the ill effects of alcohol and pamphlets should be distributed to every house hold in this regard, he said.
Asked if the party pitched for prohibition he said it was not the intention of the party.
"We look at the issue more from health angle than for preaching prohibition", he said.