In Karunapuram village of Chatrai mandal in Eluru district lived Pilli Prakash, a skilled carpenter. He was a hardworking daily wage worker who supported his small family — his wife and two daughters, one studying Intermediate and the other pursuing a degree. A simple household filled with hopes and warmth. But alcohol — a silent destroyer — ripped this family apart.

Most of the daily wages Prakash earned were spent on alcohol and cigarettes. Over time, these habits damaged his health severely. His liver and kidneys began to fail. He was admitted to Kamineni Hospital in Vijayawada, where he battled for life for ten days. But he could not survive.

Medical expenses touched four lakh rupees. The family drowned in debt. Local leader Vallabhaneni Giribabu helped with ₹40,000 so they could at least receive the dead body. Friends and villagers contributed for the funeral rites. And that was it — a life ended, leaving behind a helpless family.

Why Do the Poor Rush to Private Hospitals?

Prakash’s story is not an isolated incident. Every village in the state echoes similar tragedies. Whenever a poor person falls ill, the first instinct is to rush to a private hospital. Public hospitals have lost credibility — doctors may be present, but medicines are unavailable, hygiene is poor, and facilities inadequate. Fearing for their lives, people run to private hospitals, only to face unbearable costs.

Though the government runs on public money collected through heavy taxation, the failure to provide proper medical care to the poor in their most vulnerable moments is truly painful.

Children Forced to Drop Out of School

Families like Prakash’s exist everywhere. When the breadwinner dies, the household collapses. Children’s education is the first casualty. Daughters are often forced to stop studying and take up petty jobs. This is why immediate government intervention is crucial.

Earlier, schemes like Chandranna Bheema and Jagananna Bheema provided at least ₹1 lakh to families in such situations — a small but vital support system. Today, these schemes are either discontinued or poorly implemented.

Alcohol: The Destroyer of Families

In Andhra Pradesh, liquor sales contribute thousands of crores to state revenue every year. Behind these numbers lie countless ruined families and the silent agony of women and children. The government promotes liquor sales for income, but the social cost is immeasurable.

A shocking estimate suggests that nearly 90% of women receiving “single woman pensions” lost their husbands due to alcohol abuse

This is not just a statistic — it reflects a dark reality gripping society.

Why Is It So Hard to Quit Alcohol?

Alcohol addiction is not just a habit — it is a social disease

It destroys individuals, families, and communities. Despite witnessing deaths around them, people continue drinking. Two major reasons stand out:

Easy availability: Liquor shops exist in almost every village.

Lack of awareness: There is no strong public campaign on the dangers of alcohol.

Government’s Responsibility

It is contradictory for the government to earn revenue from alcohol sales while also paying compensation to families destroyed by alcohol addiction.

A structured system is needed. A portion of revenue from every liquor bottle sold should be diverted to a “Relief Fund for Alcohol-Affected Families.”

Through this fund:

Monthly financial aid must be provided to families affected by alcohol-related deaths.

Children who lose their father to alcohol must receive free education and hostel facilities.

Single women should be given immediate livelihood support.

Alcohol de-addiction counselling centres must be set up at the village level.

Strengthening the Healthcare System

The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) supports medical expenses, but the process is complicated. Poor people need political recommendations and heavy paperwork.

This must change.

Village secretariats should be empowered to directly file CMRF applications. More importantly, government hospitals must be upgraded so that the poor do not have to depend on private hospitals at all.

De-Addiction: A Responsibility of Society Too

The fight against alcohol cannot rest solely with the government. Society must step in. Women’s groups, youth associations, and student unions should actively lead anti-alcohol campaigns.

Awareness dramas, posters, and videos should be created highlighting the dangers.

“Anti-Addiction Education” must be introduced in school curriculums.

The suffering of families affected by alcohol-related deaths should be highlighted to build public awareness.

Attitude Change — The Real Solution

Laws alone cannot stop alcohol consumption — only a change in mindset can. Every individual must think about their family, children, and society before choosing alcohol.

Alcohol may give temporary pleasure, but it ensures permanent destruction.

Stories like that of Pilli Prakash should serve as a warning. Though his life ended, his story should awaken society.

Alcohol ruins lives. The government must shift focus from earning revenue to protecting public health. Financial aid for affected families, free education for children, and livelihood support for women are essential.

No family should suffer what Prakash's family suffered. A happy household in every home — that is true development.

An alcohol-free society — that is a better Andhra Pradesh.