Sundargarh village women in Odisha impose fine on liquor sellers, drinkers

Rourkela: A group of women, protesting the sale and consumption of liquor in Ghoghar village under Balishankara block of Sundargarh district, have introduced strict community penalties from the New Year.

The new rules impose a fine of Rs 10,000 if the prohibition on sale of liquor in the village is violated in any way, while those found consuming liquor will be fined Rs 2,000. Violators amy face social boycott and even physical punishment.


The women attributed their stand to excessive drinking in the village, which had led to men skipping work, increasing incidents of theft, quarrels within families and youths emulating the men. Carrying sticks and raising slogans against liquor, the women declared that strict rules were necessary to protect families from further distress.

Pushpanjali Suniani, a resident, said liquor-related problems had become unbearable. “There are daily disputes in every house to the extent of a recent death owing to excessive drinking. Some men also take to stealing in a drunken state. We demand that the liquor vend operating in the village be shut down,” she said.

Another villager, Sebanti Guru, said the situation had reached a breaking point. “Men are selling paddy and rice from their homes just to buy liquor. Family life is completely disturbed. To live in peace, we had to bring this rule. The government must intervene and close the liquor vend immediately,” she said.

Echoing Guru, Sukhi Suniani said the bhatti (liquor outlet) had caused immense harm. “Since the bhatti started, men have been drinking regularly and creating trouble at home. All the women have united to continue this protest. Anyone selling liquor will be fined Rs 10,000, and anyone drinking will be fined ₹2,000. If anyone violates the rules, they will face consequences,” she warned.

Balishankara gram panchayat sarpanch Sulochana Suari supported the women’s decision. “I fully back the demand and the stand taken by the women of Ghoghar village,” she said.