Complete ban on sale and consumption of alcohol not feasible, says Governor

February 8, 2022
Staff Reporter

Nagaland governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi on Monday said complete ban on sale and consumption of alcohol was “not feasible”, but the extent of consumption and sale of alcohol could be curtailed in a gradual or phased manner.

Answering a question raised by one faculty member during his visit to St Joseph University (SJU) at Ikishe model village, Chümoukedima on Monday, Prof. Mukhi spoke of his experience as excise minister of Delhi government and lieutenant governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He said that a thorough study conducted in the two territories proved the fallacy of prohibition. He claimed that the increase in sale of alcohol would result in higher income for States.

He remarked: “Even if a State were to earn higher revenue through sale of alcohol, it would be spending more than the revenue in terms of healthcare, law and order and judicial processes.” This was stated in a press release issued by SJU.

Earlier, the governor visited Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR) and held a meeting with the district administration and police at Police House, Chümoukedima.

After inspecting the wards at CIHSR, he addressed some staff of the hospital, during which he acknowledged the services of all frontline warriors, including doctors, nurses and paramedics in handling Covid-19 pandemic effectively.

He expressed happiness that CIHSR was breaking new grounds of learning as the only teaching hospital in the State running post-graduation DNB courses in Medicine, Surgery, Family Medicine and several other subjects. The Governor said that as two professions of healthcare and education formed the twin foundations for development of a nation, CIHSR combined within itself both of these and was now ready to offer high quality medical care to people.

He further remarked that students and administration of CIHSR have a crucial role to play in promoting access to quality healthcare and taking healthcare services to remotest corners of the State.

With the goal of providing universal healthcare, he urged the State government and hospital management to take steps to make affordable healthcare services available to the farthest regions in the State, which would in turn aid in a progressive Nagaland marching ahead in the 21st century.

Even though Covid pandemic had affected the whole world, Mukhi claimed it had also united all Indians in the fight against the invisible enemy. “The resurgence has largely abated, and this would not have been possible without the immense dedication of our medical fraternity. Some sacrificed even their lives in the line of duty. Our nation will forever be indebted to them. Our frontline workers, doctors, nurses, paramedics and others have made our country proud with their relentless service,” he added.

Speaking on the vaccination drive being carried out across the country, he maintained that the same dedication was also at work behind the largest vaccination drive in the history.

Expressing gratitude to Indian scientists, he claimed that India had not only produced Covid vaccines, but had also set new records in administering them.

An interactive session was also held on the occasion, whereby the governor encouraged the hospital management to fully utilise the infrastructural advantage of the institute.

He said CIHSR had established itself as one of the leading hospitals and centres of excellence in healthcare in the State serving the people. He was optimistic that doctors, nurses and paramedics would serve the State with high degree of commitment and dedication and also bring glory to the profession.

The governor later proceeded to SJU where he interacted with the students.
Addressing students and staff of SJU during a short programme, he acknowledged all students, teachers and staff for responding to the pandemic in a praiseworthy manner.

He mentioned that the Covid-19 pandemic was unprecedented in the modem era and the entire world was affected. He however stated that technology fortunately provided a solution, allowing schools, colleges and universities across India to provide education through online and making e-resources available to students.

“This shows how a university’s contribution to society can go far beyond imparting education,” he noted.

Pointing out that university was a place where ideas were nurtured and students taught, Mukhi acknowledged SJU for providing unique curriculum that emphasized on skill development to bridge the gap between education and employment.

“Education system is a choice-based credit system haying some flexibility so that students, depending upon their interests and aim, can choose interdisciplinary, intra-disciplinary and skill-based courses,” he explained.
He urged the students to keep aside rote learning and promote the idea of research in education.

Dwelling on the New Education Policy (NEP), he claimed that the policy would bring a new light as it encouraged research and development.
“Education under NEP will move from being content-heavy towards learning more about how to think critically and solve problems, how to be creative and multidisciplinary and how to innovate, adapt and absorb new material in ever-changing fields of study,” he stated.

Under NEP, he said basic arts, humanities, sports and languages, etc, would be based on “our” culture and values, which would help students for tomorrow’s world while also equipping them with the best of “our own” tradition.

He urged SJU to gear up to face emerging challenges by updating knowledge base and also to strive hard to contribute the best to the society.
The governor then proceeded to Police House, Chümoukedima, where he held a review meeting with the district administration and police.
High-ranking officials of Assam Police and Assam Rifles also attended the meeting.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/?p=249938