Jammu administration plans to tackle brewing of illicit liquor

A plan to rehabilitate 75 families allegedly involved in the brewing of illicit liquor in the Jammu region is being formulated by authorities, an official spokesman said Sunday.

Forty-five families living in Kathua, 25 in Jammu and five families in Samba are involved in the illegal trade of liquor here, he said.

The plan was discussed at a meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner (Jammu) Sanjeev Verma on Saturday.

"A threadbare discussion was held to discuss measures for their rehabilitation by way of counselling and imparting skill training in employable trades," the spokesman said.

The divisional commissioner asked officers to conduct a survey to identify all families involved in the brewing of illicit liquor and seek their interest for a particular trade.

He also asked for a detailed study of the socio-economic conditions of these families, the spokesman said.

The divisional commissioner asked the departments concerned to impart skill development training through ITI, Polytechnic and others so as to provide alternative employment to these families.

Director Industries and Commerce R S Sharma discussed various schemes for rehabilitation of such families, the spokesman said, adding that the department would provide loan facilities for the establishment of self-employment units.

(With inputs from agencies.)