Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare on Wednesday said he would go on an indefinite strike from 14 February to protest against the Maharashtra government’s wine policies. Anna Hazare also said that agitation will be launched in Maharashtra simultaneously against the wine sale decision.
On January 28, the Maharashtra Cabinet gave its nod to a new wine policy after 20 years.
The new policy allows the sale of wine at supermarkets and grocery shops operating from premises with an area more than 1,000 square feet.
Minister for Skill Development Nawab Malik had said at the time, “Wine bottles can be sold in supermarkets or shops with area more than 1,000 square feet where the operators will be allowed to have a stall for wines. The decision will give a boost to fruit-based wineries which provide additional income to farmers and wine producers in the state.”
The policy also states that supermarkets, who wish to sell wine, will have to be pay a fee of Rs 5,000.
The policy also stipulates that supermarket which are close to places of worship or educational institutions cannot sell wine. Additionally, sale of wine will not be allowed where prohibition is in force. For instance, districts such as Wardha and Gadchiroli will not be able to follow these new rules.
Until now, only registered wine stores were allowed to sell wine.
