Women in Akurdi also celebrate a victory

Author: Express News Service, Pune
Publication: The Indian Express
Dated: March 4, 2008

Introduction: It's about two liquor shops sealed after Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar intervenes

Hundreds of ju­bilant activists of bachat gats (self-help groups) and women's organisations in Akurdi on Sunday celebrated what they described as a "victory over evil." Sweets were distrib­uted, procession in celebration was taken out and slogans denouncing liquor and. liquor vendors rent the air as the suburb of Akurdi came alive at a time when hordes of citizens were, glued to their TV sets watching the India versus Australia ODI.

The women activists had reason to celebrate. For, after years of complaints, protests and demonstrations, a wine shop and a country liquor shop located right in the midst of a residential area in Akurdi were sealed on the directives of the district collectorate late last evening. The action, says local corporator Javed Shaikh, came only after District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar sounded district collector Prabhakar Deshmukhon February4.

In the last six months, the women activists had launched a sustained campaign for clo­sure of the wine shop located in the ground floor of an apartment building.

"At the wine shop, men used to drink standing outside creating nuisance for women and girls using' the road. The scene has been no different at the country liquor shop," say Geeta Sutar and Mumtaz Inamdar.

Corporator Shaikh said the two temples are also located in the area. "Yet the shops were allowed to be set up by the officials," he said. "Both the wine and liquor shops spoiled the atmos­phere of the area. Women and girls had no freedom to walk without hearing lewd comments from the drunk men," lament Alka Kamble and Lata Chavan.

Inamdar said despite re­peated requests to the police, excise officials could the district collectorate to close down the shops, no action was taken.

"It was only after we met Ajit Pawar last month that things have moved. There is no justice to the common man. Officials simply won't address you complaint," she said.

Back                          Top