KCBC Calls for Strong Stance on Rising Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Kerala

The Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference criticizes the state government for the increase in alcohol outlets and lack of action against substance abuse. KCBC warns of rising narcotic drug use among youth and calls for decisive government action to combat these issues.

The Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference (KCBC) has voiced strong criticism towards the state government, highlighting a surge in the number of liquor outlets and a perceived lack of effective measures against alcohol and drug abuse. The KCBC Temperance Commission condemned authorities for what it calls an alarming trend of inaction.

Bishop Ambrose Puthenveettil, Chairman of the Commission, outlined the troubling situation in a circular disseminated across 32 dioceses. He accused the government of pivoting from a promise of liquor abstinence to a policy permitting the proliferation of such outlets.

Warning of the far-reaching impact on youth and families, KCBC urged a governmental overhaul in its strategy towards substance abuse. The circular underlined the profound societal harms inflicted by rising drug use, urging the Church to take an active stand against these challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)