Pune: In order to curb the production of illicit liquor, Pune rural police have initiated a programme to provide alternative employment to persons and families involved. This comes on the back of the illicit hooch tragedy in Pune city and Pimpri Chinchwad, which claimed the lives of 22 people.Special Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur Range) Ranjan Kumar Sharma said on Monday evening, “Production of illicit liquor has been a traditional occupation for many, and actions have been taken against persons and their family members involved in the Yavat and Uruli Kanchan areas in the past. We have decided to provide alternative employment opportunities to those involved.”“Despite action being taken against them, the practice has continued. Efforts will now be made to identify the reasons behind it and find a permanent solution. The concerned persons will be counselled and provided with alternative occupations and employment opportunities. The assistance of various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will be sought for the initiative,” Sharma said.He added, “We will train them to manufacture various products and give jobs in companies, thereby helping them find a suitable livelihood. It will discourage them from producing illicit liquor.”
