People of Lakshadweep unhappy with move to allow sale of liquor on islands; dissatisfaction over reform of school uniforms as well

KOCHI: Residents of Lakshadweep are protesting against the move to repeal the forty-five-year-old liquor ban and allow the sale of liquor on the island. Opposition intensified after the publication of the draft Excise Regulation Bill. People are also unhappy that the school uniform reform order was issued without mentioning the hijab. Currently, children go to schools wearing hijabs. According to the order issued b the Education Department on August 10, students should wear only the prescribed uniform to school.

All parties, including BJP, are opposing these two changes. Signatures are being collected under the leadership of Congress by visiting houses. The BJP state leadership has said that it will oppose the bill even though it won't go for a public strike.

The draft bill titled Lakshadweep Excise Regulation 2022 was made public on August 3. The public can give their opinions within 30 days. The draft bill contains detailed rules including setting up of excise department, issuing licenses for the manufacture, storage, and sale of liquor. If the bill becomes law, the Lakshadweep Liquor Prohibition Act of 1979 will be repealed. Although a move was made to sell liquor before, it was not implemented due to protests. Alcohol is currently available only on the uninhabited island of Bangaram, where only a major hotel operates.

Even though the majority of the students are Muslims, it has been criticized that there are vested interests in not including the hijab in the uniform. Various organizations have come forward to protest.