VIJAYAWADA: In an innovative act, Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) and NTR district (Vijayawada) police have launched “Operation Parivartana” in 26 villages of the district known for brewing illicit liquor and smuggling non-duty-paid liquor.
As part of it, police organised a job mela for them at Rani Kalyana Mandapam in Vissannapeta on Tuesday. 45 people, who stopped dealing in illicit liquor, got jobs in various private companies.
Speaking on the occasion, NTR district police commissioner Kanti Rana Tata said under the parivartana programme, 172 families of 26 villages in mandals like Vissannapet, Reddygudem, Mylavaram, E. Konduru and Gampalagudem have voluntarily taken a pledge that they will no longer make illicit liquor. They also voluntarily handed over to authorities materials they used for making illicit liquor.
Tata said AP Skill Development Corporation and PVSR Group are imparting vocational skills to the youth staying in these villages. Following this, based on their qualifications, 30 different companies have given them employment.
The commissioner said people involved in making illicit liquor have promised to start a new life by shunning their old profession.
SEB director Avula Ramesh Reddy said SEB and NTR district police want all children of illicit liquor brewers to join schools and colleges, so that they could lead a life of dignity.
SEB joint director Moka Sattibabu and other officers, staff and around 700 people from 26 villages participated in the meeting organised on the occasion.
