Belagavi, Karnataka: A proposal to earmark 20% of the state's liquor revenue for the treatment of alcohol-related illnesses sparked a heated debate in the Karnataka Legislative Council on Monday. BJP MLC Ravikumar raised the issue, highlighting that a significant portion of alcohol consumers are falling ill due to conditions like jaundice and liver damage, with treatment costs rising sharply.
Ravikumar argued that allocating 20% of the state's revenue from liquor sales would provide necessary funds for treating these ailments. He stated that many drinkers are dying prematurely from liver complications and that government support could encourage more responsible consumption, ultimately benefiting state revenue. He further claimed that government guarantee schemes are effectively being funded by habitual drinkers. Ravikumar pointed out that, "More than 2% of drinkers are dying. Across the country, 1.5 million people have lost their lives. One in five drinkers dies due to jaundice...Allocate 20% of this for their treatment". Other members in the legislative council supported the proposal, while KS Naveen highlighted the prevalence of liver-related issues among alcohol addicts, and noted that there is only one government hospital in the state equipped to treat liver ailments.
Excise Minister R. B. Timmapur responded in writing, stating that earmarking funds specifically for the medical treatment of alcohol consumers is not feasible. He clarified that revenue from the excise department already contributes to the health sector, and citizens receive treatment through various National Health Mission schemes. Timmapur added that funds are allocated based on the health department's needs and that there is no system to divert funds from one department's revenue to a specific purpose.
Timmapur also informed the Council about a significant decline in beer sales this year. From April to September 2025, beer sales decreased by 19.55%, with 19.52 million cases sold, 4.74 million less than the same period last year. He attributed this decline to heavy rains and cold weather across the state.
The discussion also touched on broader issues related to alcohol consumption in the state. MLCs called for action against the sale of substandard liquor and the prohibition of new liquor outlets. Congress MLC K Shivakumar demanded that the government stop giving permission for new liquor shops. Congress MLC Ramesh Babu suggested that the central government should allocate funds from its GST share to treat alcoholics. It was alleged that laborers are being encouraged to drink to increase their productivity. MLC Bharathi Shetty stated that moderate drinking is acceptable, but excess is dangerous.
Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology B Sriramulu Bosaraju stated that the government does not encourage alcohol consumption and is actively raising awareness about its harmful effects. He emphasized the importance of self-discipline among citizens in regulating alcohol consumption.
