NSUI Protests Approval for Liquor Shop Opposite Medical College

Sriganganagar: The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has strongly opposed the excise department’s decision to approve an English liquor shop directly in front of the government medical college on National Highway-62, Suratgarh Road.

Led by District Vice President Himanshu Singh Sisodia, NSUI members staged a protest at the Collectorate, expressing their anger over the approval. They subsequently submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), demanding that the liquor shop approval be revoked.

In the memorandum, NSUI alleged that the excise department is attempting to shift liquor shops numbered two and three (Ward Nos. 28 & 41) located between Shiv Chowk and the Hanuman statue to a spot directly opposite the main gate of the government district hospital and medical college, violating Section 75 of the Excise Act 1950, Supreme Court orders, and previous rulings.

NSUI highlighted that the medical college currently accommodates around 500 students, including a girls’ hostel within the campus, which would be right next to the proposed liquor shop. They stressed that relocating liquor shops in front of the college not only breaches legal provisions but also poses serious risks to the safety, health, and environment of students.

The memorandum further demanded that for 2025–26 and 2026–27, any liquor shop approvals should carefully consider the proximity to the government medical college and district hospital. The excise department must strictly comply with Supreme Court orders, excise regulations, and Section 75 of the Act. It should also conduct thorough onsite inspections before approving any shop locations to correct previous errors.

Himanshu Singh Sisodia stated, “We will not tolerate any compromise on the safety of medical college students, especially girls. If the department does not stop its arbitrary actions, we are prepared to launch a larger movement.”

The protest was attended by several NSUI office bearers and students.