Patriotism may be the last resort for a coward; however, religion seems to be the last resort for the government.
Unhappy with the growing criticism, Maharashtra government has taken refuge of religion to defend its decision to raise the age bar on consuming alcohol from 21 to 25 years.
Social Justice Minister Shivajirao Moghe is now citing religion as a ground to discourage the culture of alcohol consumption among the youth.
While addressing mediapersons in Mumbai on Thursday to announce the state level convention on de-addiction beginning from June 26, Moghe reasoned that no religion talked good about consumption of alcohol. "Does any of the religious scripture talk good about those who consume liquor?" Moghe questioned.
Justifying the government's decision to permit only those above 25 to consume alcohol, the minister said, "Youth till they achieve the age of 25 years are not matured enough to take a call on what is good or bad for them. After 25 years they may gain some maturity to make their own decisions regarding consumption of alcohol."
He said that liquor addiction was a mental disorder and only self-moderation may help it.
The announcement to implement the age bar has received criticism from all quarters including Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Imran Khan.
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