Minister launches 'Never Drink and Drive' campaign in UP

Minister of State for Excise, Uttar Pradesh, Nitin Agarwal, inaugurated the Never Drink and Drive campaign in Lucknow, organized by the International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) in collaboration with TCL, a civil society group.

In his inaugural address, the minister expressed his gratitude to ISWAI and its partners for initiating this campaign in the state. Highlighting the grave issue of drink-and-drive incidents, he remarked that drinking and driving lead to numerous accidents in the state, which is a matter of grave concern for all. Such campaigns play a pivotal role in spreading awareness and saving lives.

He further outlined the proactive steps taken by the state government to address the issue. Emphasising the importance of social responsibility, he noted, "The state’s excise revenue contributes about 2% to Uttar Pradesh’s GDP and 8-9% to the state budget. Alongside increasing revenue, we have a duty to raise public awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving."

The minister also stated that the government has been organising workshops in schools and universities to sensitise young minds about responsible behaviour.

Concluding his address, he assured the state government’s continued support for initiatives that prioritise public safety, saying, "We remain committed to backing campaigns that protect our citizens and foster a safer environment for all."