KOCHI: The ayurvedic sector in the state is facing a big crisis due to the liquor policy of the state government. The excise department continues to confiscate ayurvedic medicines for want of distribution licence from the department despite clarifications from the centre and the Supreme Court.
The state unit of the Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisation of India (AMMOI ) has hence demanded the removal of ayurvedic medicine preparations and 'arishtasavas' from the ambit of abkari laws in Kerala.
AMMOI general secretary Dr D. Ramanathan said that the present liquor laws and policies in the state mandated that the distribution and the sale of arishtasavas should have licence from the excise department. "The Central Ayush has clarified that ayurvedic medicines and arishtasavas preparations do not need abkari licence. The Supreme Court has also clarified that arishtasavas do not come under the category of liquor. Despite this, the state excise department confiscates ayurvedic medicines for want of distribution licence from the department. This has created a big crisis in the industry," he said.
The state government was interpreting the Supreme Court verdict as applicable only in the case of ayurveda product manufacturing and not sale. "We have now approached the Kerala High Court over this. Justice Ramachandran commission appointed to formulate the abkari policy had also indicated that it was not fair to treat arishtasavas as alcohol. Still the crisis is not resolved. We urge the state government to take urgent steps on the matter," Dr Ramanathan said.
He along with other office-bearers of AMMOI said at a press conference that the eighth annual state conference of AMMOI will be held at Adlux International Convention Centre, Angamaly, on February 14 which will be inaugurated by Education Minister Prof C. Raveendranath. An exhibition showcasing advanced medical technologies for the manufacture of ayurvedic medicines will also be held along with it for three days till February 16.
