Catholic bishops in Kerala have urged the state government to withdraw its decision to reduce taxes on low-alcohol beverages, warning that the move could encourage alcohol consumption and create more social problems.
In its first annual budget presented on June 19, the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government announced a major cut in taxes on drinks containing up to 20 percent alcohol. The government plans to reduce the tax on beverages with 0–10 percent alcohol from 251 percent to 120 percent, while drinks containing 10–20 percent alcohol will be taxed at 175 percent.
The proposal has drawn criticism from Church leaders, opposition parties, and even some members of the ruling party.
Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil said the decision sends the wrong message to society and may increase alcohol addiction in a state already facing serious problems related to alcohol and drug abuse. He added that the policy goes against the values promoted by Mahatma Gandhi, who strongly opposed alcohol consumption.
The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council Temperance Commission also criticized the policy, saying it could encourage young people to begin drinking rather than helping existing drinkers.
Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan questioned the decision, claiming it could mainly benefit liquor companies. Former state Congress president M. Sudheeran also urged the government to reconsider the proposal.
According to the latest National Family Health Survey, about one in four men in Kerala consumes alcohol, with the rate increasing in recent years. Church leaders fear the tax reduction could make the problem worse and affect families and young people across the state.
