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Goa liquor traders threaten strike

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Panaji: Liquor traders in Goa have threatened to down shutters if the Goa government does not review its 2013 directive to close liquor stores at 9 p.m.

Speaking to reporters on Friday after submitting a memorandum to the state excise commissioner here, Dattaprasad Naik, president of the Goa Liquor Traders Association, accused the excise officials of harassing tourists.

He alleged the tourists were being raided constantly.

“With stores closing at 9 p.m. instead of 11 p.m., there is a great deal of hardship for Goan customers as well as tourists. Liquor consumers are forced to patronise more expensive bars and shell out more money for liquor,” Naik said.

The association, he said, gave the state government a month’s time to resolve the issue, failing which they would have to shut down liquor stores in the state.

In 2013, the Goa government had banned drinking in open places and selling liquor in retail stores after 9 p.m. instead of the previous timing of 11 p.m., stating that drinking in the open caused law and order issues.

Naik, who claimed closing the liquor stores two hours earlier had not deterred drinking in public places, said the closure of stores at 9 p.m. was making it virtually impossible to obtain liquor in a state known for its parties and an otherwise relaxed and cheaper liquor regime over the decades.

“As far as we know drinking has not come down in public… Goa is known for partying, liquor is served even at parties at home. The early hour ban is creating a problem as far as sourcing of liquor is concerned,” he said.

“Excise officials are also harassing and asking for bribes from tourists who carry liquor bottles with official government-issued permits. We have complained about this in our memorandum too,” Naik said.

State Excise Commissioner Menino D’Souza, who interacted with the association’s members told, said: “We will have a follow-up meeting with a delegation of their leaders soon.

“As far as the timings are concerned, we are only implementing government policy,” he added.

Goa is one of the top beach and nightlife tourism states in the country and attracts over three million tourists annually. Along with its beaches, heritage, nightlife and parties, cheap liquor is also a big draw for tourists visiting the state.

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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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