According to locals, they started the campaign after most men started squandering their hard-earned money on alcohol and gambling. In order to ensure that the campaign is effective, they have also a 36-member committee comprising one individual from each household.

As per the regulations formulated by the committee, a fine amounting up to Rs 5,000 is charged if a person is found disturbing peace under the influence of alcohol. As a result no dispute from the village has reached the local Khochlek Police Station after the campaign was launched. Even if people get involved in disputes under intoxication, they take the matter to the panel which settles the dispute the following day. “As alcohol is the primary reason behind disputes, we are settling them within the village without having to get embroiled in legal hassles,” said Dilip Singh Bhat, a local resident. The committee has also collected Rs 36,000 in fines in the past three years. Locals said they plan to invest the amount in income-generating activities.

Stating that only one person was fined this year, the committee’s Chairperson Padam Singh Bhat said most people have given up the habit after the campaign was launched. A total of 15 men has abstained from alcohol and have become active members of the campaign, local Man Singh Bhat said.

Though it was women who started the campaign, a significant number of men have also become part of it over the years.