WHY LIQUOR OVERPRICING AT RETAIL STORES IS RAMPANT IN UTTARAKHAND?

Mukesh Devrari

Consumers cannot buy liquor at MRP (Maximum Retail Price) mentioned on the liquor bottle anywhere in Uttarakhand. If any consumer argues with retail liquor stores, they simply taunt the buyers and chase them away. They challenge buyers to purchase liquor on MRP wherever they can find it. Interestingly during the tenure of Congress government in Uttarakhand, a similar situation existed, but there were voices of protest all around. Mainstream media also raised the issue time and again. All liquor buyers abused Congress government for overpricing.  

Congress lost power in state elections. Among many other reasons, corruption in the liquor market also contributed to the defeat. BJP came to power, but nothing changed on the ground. Almost all liquor stores are still charging over prices. And if any consumer dares to oppose liquor stores or argues with them or requests them not to overcharge, he or she immediately puts his life in danger. Buyers are constantly threatened by the antisocial elements who mostly run liquor businesses when they refuse to pay the prices over and above maximum retail prices.

\When consumers complain to the officials, they pay lip service to the issue. The reason is simple. All of them have a share in this black money generated through extortion and coercion of gullible consumers. Things are unlikely to change as nexus of police, government officials and politicians are making money through this illegal practice. That is why they are guarding the status quo.

However, a few things have changed in the last few years. Press in India is generally afraid of high ranking bureaucrats. Particularly Hindi media never writes the name of IAS officers, whenever allegations of corruptions are made against them on public platforms. During the tenure of Congress rule, media was frequently raising this issue. Politicians and officials were paying lip service. There was talk about compulsory receipts to every buyer. However, this plan to curb overpricing was never implemented.

Under the present regime, the media has become completely subservient to the ruling elite. They no longer raise this issue. Smaller media outlets were arm twisted by the ruling party, so that they could not dare to go against the party. Recently in Uttarakhand, BJP stopped the government advertisements to Parvatjan Patrika a small Hindi weekly without any substantial following. Right wing ideologues are not ready to accept the slightest criticism of their government.

Generally, it is considered normal in national media ecology that few media outlets support one party or ideology, while others support another ideology and party. It is part and parcel of democracy. It would wrong to consider to media totally objective and neutral. However, the march of media outlets of all hues and colour in one direction to support the idea of one party, one leader and one ideology is not a good sign for the health of Indian democracy. 

Media should reflect the diversity of this country in its opinions and expressions. Keeping a blind eye towards rampant corruption for ideological loyalty is a betrayal of journalistic ethics and public interests. Widespread corruption may not remain hidden for long. It will make ripples. People who voted for change in Uttarakhand are feeling betrayed. 

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