CHANDIGARH, Punjab— In the land of Gurus, who dedicated their lives to end social evils, Badal government continues its policy to promote drug menace. Moving forward in this direction, Shiromani Akali Dal (B) has fixed a sale quota of 9.5 crore proof liters (25.33 crore bottles) of Indian made liquor. It is 80 lakh bottles more than last year. (lakh = one hundred thousand, crore = ten million).

It also fixed a sale quota of 4.5 crore proof liters (8.3 crore bottles) of foreign liquor, known commonly as English liquor. It is almost 18 lakh bottles more than the last year.

In view of the decision, it may be concluded that Punjab would consume 33.63 crore bottles of liquor in the next financial year 2014-15. In the state’s with a population of 2.77 crore according to 2011 census, it amounts to 12.15 bottles a year for each citizen.

The state government expects revenue of 4,671 crore in the next financial year against 3,947 crore Rupees in the current year (2013-14). Thus, with the aim of generating more revenue, Badal cabinet is showing no hesitation promoting liquor in Punjab.