Date:16/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/16/stories/2005051615310500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Closure of `belt' shops demanded

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: A State-level two-day workshop for women being conducted by Jana Vignana Vedika here demanded immediate closure of `belt' shops.

In a resolution on Sunday, it said the Government should not view liquor sales as a source of revenue.

A press release issued by the vedika wanted the Government to strengthen the blood donation campaign and to remove superstitions prevalent among women on blood donation. The workshop, which was inaugurated by writer Volga, also demanded immediate holding of municipal elections and not to give voting right to coopted members in civic bodies. It urged the Government to strengthen the literacy campaign while regretting the State's 28th rank at the all-India level.