Date:27/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/27/stories/2004092707190400.htm

Tamil Nadu

Movement needed to redeem youth: Ramadoss

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, SEPT. 26. The Pattali Makkal Katchi founder, S. Ramadoss, today expressed anguish over the prime concerns of the youth and said that a movement was needed to redeem them.

Referring to the Vinayaka idol immersion processions, Dr. Ramadoss said he was pained to watch so many youths devote time for such endeavours. Others were queuing up outside cinema halls and liquor shops. All these were signs of decadence, which had gained ground in Tamil society, he said addressing a meet of party workers here.

While drinking water was not available in many parts of the State, there was no dearth of liquor shops.

He said in 7 districts, the total revenue from liquor in August grew by 186 per cent compared to July. "You will know who live in these districts if I tell you the names of the districts," he said.

The districts were Villupuram, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Dharmapuri, Kancheepuram and Vellore, he said.

In these districts, the Government sold liquor worth Rs. 520 crores in August, he said. Dr. Ramadoss said the entire amount did not go to the Government and alleged a huge chunk went to fill the coffers of the liquor barons who were based outside the State.

He faulted the various actions of the State Government.