EDITORIALS & ARTICLES
Write approximately 150 words on "Women’s role in anti-arrack movement". (UPSC CSE Mains 2024- Political Science and International Relations, Paper 1)
- The anti-Arrack Movement was started by the poor womenfolk of Andhra Pradesh in a small village Doobaguta of Nellore District. It reflects the impact of the mass literacy campaign on women. It is an example of the struggle of the womenfolk for emancipation from social forces which degrades them and reinforces their subordinate status.
- The anti-Arrack movement attracted women from all corners of the country because the problem itself was of an universal nature. Though all sections of women participated in the movement, it was mainly the women belonging to the exploited classes and rural areas who played the active and leading role. Several organisations and institutions lent support and strength to the movement. Women were able to use space within democratic structures to actualize their will and make an impact upon the political process. Understanding and supporting women''s collective struggles against arrack has a greater and wider value than the elimination of liquor from the household only.
- Arrack consumption has serious repercussions. First of all it leads to a drain on the household economy. Nearly 70-80% of male income is spent on liquor. At times, the household provisions are bartered for drinks. It leads to ill-health, malnutrition and lack of care for children. There is a probability of daily violence with the physical battering of women, sexual harassment and family violence. It creates family disharmony with women being constantly in a state of fear. Several women complain of lack of sleep due to this problem.
- The social impact is also negative. There were frequent quarrels in the village; disruption of social and community functions, ill-repute for the community, goondaism. A strong nexus has been found between liquor contractors, excise officials and the ruling elite as many of the liquor contractors are MLAs and MPs. Over the years they have become a powerful lobby in the corridors of power. During elections, they encash the weakness of the people and distribute liquor to the poor.
- Thus, the anti-arrack mass movement has not merely raised a women''s question but also exposed the nexus between the people''s representatives, police and arrack contractors.
Next
previous
Latest News
General Studies