Tamil Nadu's Plan to Rehabilitate Repentant Bootleggers

Following the tragic hooch incident in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu's Prohibition and Excise Minister S Muthusamy stated that bootleggers showing remorse will be rehabilitated post-incarceration. The government has earmarked Rs 5 crore for this initiative, which includes a subsidy and skill development programs to help them start anew.

In the wake of the tragic Kallakurichi hooch incident that resulted in 47 fatalities, Tamil Nadu Prohibition and Excise Minister S Muthusamy announced new measures in the legislative assembly on Friday.

Addressing the assembly, Muthusamy declared that bootleggers who show genuine remorse and a willingness to change their ways will be rehabilitated after serving their prison sentences. 'Persons punished for distilling and selling illicit arrack will be rehabilitated if they demonstrate a change of heart,' he said, adding that these individuals will receive a subsidy of Rs 50,000 each to help them start their own trade. The state government has allocated Rs 5 crore for this rehabilitation fund.

An integrated scheme will also be developed to equip these individuals with necessary skills, facilitated by various departments. Additionally, a campaign aimed at creating awareness about the dangers of consuming illicit arrack and substance abuse, particularly among the youth, will be rolled out at the district level, Muthusamy added. Efforts to curb smuggling will also be intensified with the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras at prohibition check posts across the state.