Times of India
15 April 2010
By Padmini Sivarajah
Madurai, India

Palamedu, near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, has devised its own rather stern disciplinary system to check tipplers in the hamlet. The village panchayat has threatened to fine villagers, who down a quick peg, Rs 1,000 every time they are caught. And to encourage those who sneak on them and catch them in the act, the village panchayat is willing to pay Rs 500 as reward.

A resolution to this effect was passed by Saranthangi panchayat near Palamedu in Madurai district following which villagers are trying hard to kick the habit.

The man behind this move is S Muthiah (48), the first elected president of this panchayat, a post he has held for three successive terms. The village has about 200 houses and 1,000 voters.

Sumathy, a resident of the village, is thrilled by the 'no alcohol' move. Muthiah says anyone caught consuming liquor would be fined Rs 1,000 and if his wife is the informer, she would receive Rs 500 as reward. They have not had any violators so far, say locals.