MP Arora raised critical issue of underage drinking and driving in Parliament

Ludhiana, July 29, 2024: MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora raised a critical issue of underage drinking and driving across the country, expressed his concerns and gave suggestions to the government to deal with the issue in the ongoing session of Rajya Sabha on Monday.

While expressing his concerns over instances of underage drinking and driving in the country, Arora said a recent road accident in Pune shook the country. He termed this road accident of frightening significance. He added according to an RTI information, out of about 100 pubs operating in Pune only 23 were licensed. 

Arora pointed out that underage drinking and driving is a major concern. He said in in Delhi itself, there is 573 per cent increase in challans for underage driving compared to last year in first quarter of this current fiscal. 

He further mentioned in his address that fake IDs is another major challenge to curb underage drinking. Arora recommended specific measures to the government to overcome the present situation. He stressed on the need for carrying out regular and surprise inspections of establishments. He advocated for stricter penalty for those violating the law by serving alcohol to underage customers. 

Further, Arora suggested to initiate public awareness campaigns to educate both the young and the public highlighting legal consequences, health risks, potential for addiction associated with underage alcohol consumption.

Arora also suggested to the government to collaborate with the Hospitality Industry, Educational Institutions and NGOs to develop a comprehensive strategy to address underage drinking. 

He suggested to arranging training for servers on identifying fake IDs and refusing service to minors, as well as educational programs in schools and colleges about the dangers of underage drinking.

Arora further suggested on the need to giving more power to common citizens. He suggested to empowering common citizens by developing mobile apps through which they can click pictures and geotag the area of the offenders thereby helping the law enforcement officials.

Concluding his address, he said that he believes that a multi-pronged approach involving stricter enforcement, public awareness initiatives, and collaboration with stakeholders is essential to effectively address this issue.