Why is News :
- India faces a mounting alcohol-related public health crisis, with rising consumption, weak regulatory mechanisms, and significant socio-economic impacts. Experts call for a National Alcohol Control Policy to replace fragmented state-level interventions.
Key Data Points
- 23% of Indian men and 1% of women consume alcohol (NFHS-5).
- India ranks among the highest globally in heavy episodic drinking.
- ₹6.24 trillion: estimated societal cost of alcohol-related health burdens.
- Alcohol contributed to 2.6 million DALYs (2021).
- 240% increase in per capita alcohol consumption over 20 years.
- Nearly 50% of alcohol use is unrecorded, highlighting regulatory loopholes.
Determinants of Alcohol Consumption
Biopsychosocial:
- Genetic predisposition, psychological stress, urban peer pressure.
Commercial:
- Surrogate advertising, glamorous branding, social media influence, happy hours.
Policy:
- State control leads to variation in age limits, pricing, and access
- Revenue dependency weakens regulatory enforcement.
- No unified national alcohol policy exists.
Issues with Current Regulation
- State-centric control leads to inconsistency (e.g. prohibition in Bihar vs. promotion in Kerala).
- Policy fragmentation: different ministries handle demand, supply, and harm reduction.
- Digital platforms escape regulatory purview (e.g. alcohol influencers).
- Excise revenue conflict: alcohol is a key income source for States, limiting reform.
Key Recommendations for Reform
- Affordability: Price controls must deter excessive use without triggering illicit alternatives.
- Allocation: Ring-fence health taxes from alcohol for public health programmes.
- Accessibility: Reduce availability in urban spaces (not just geographic curbs).
- Advertisement Control: Crack down on digital “social surrogacy” and brand influence.
- Attractiveness: Enforce plain packaging and visible warning labels.
- Awareness: Mass public health campaigns akin to tobacco warnings.
- AI & Digital Regulation: Use AI tools to flag misinformation and reduce visibility of alcohol-related content.
Why a National Alcohol Control Policy is Needed
- Alcohol is excluded from GST, limiting central intervention.
- NAPDDR, NMHP, and NSPS recommend a consolidated approach but remain fragmented.
- Only a centralised, evidence-based, and equity-oriented framework can resolve policy incoherence, improve public health outcomes, and reduce economic losses.
| Value Addition for MainsQuote: “There is no safe amount of alcohol that does not affect health” – WHO. Case Study: Kerala’s shift from prohibition to promotion under its ‘Akbari Policy’ reflects economic vs. ethical policy tensions. Best Practice: Thailand’s national alcohol control law combines pricing, advertising bans, and public awareness with community involvement. |
| UPSC Relevance : GS2Governance, Health Policy, Social Justice, Role of State in public health GS3Economy (Excise & Health Spending), Science & Tech (AI for digital regulation), Internal Security (alcohol-related violence/crime) Essay/GS4Ethical dilemma: Revenue vs. Health; Public good vs. Corporate lobbying Possible Mains Question : India faces a mounting alcohol-related public health crisis, with rising consumption, weak regulatory mechanisms, and significant socio-economic impacts. |