The problem of alcohol in a dry state came up as one of the major concerns of women living in slums who interacted with Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani during his maiden Mann Ni Moklaash series.

On the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat, Mann Ni Moklaash is an attempt by the Chief Minister to directly interact with people from all walks of life and know their problems. The conversations will be held once a month at the CM's official residence.

Rupani on Thursday interacted with residents of slums from the eight major municipal corporations of Gujarat as well as their representatives.

Some women who reside in the city's slums complained about the easy availability of alcohol, mainly hooch, in their areas.

They spoke about how a substantial part of their family earnings was being wasted on alcohol and requested the CM to stop the availability of alcohol in slums.

Outreach For his Mann Ni Moklaash meet-ups, CM expected to meet labourers and teachers in coming months Talks a bid to get reach out to people directly, listen to their problems, tell them of govt action

Rupani assured the women that prohibition laws in the state had been strengthened to deal with the menace. "We are determined to end the problem but we also need to concentrate on ending alcoholism," said Rupani.

He urged the women to play a leading role in curbing the sale of alcohol.

He referred to earlier instances of women coming together and taking on hooch manufacturers. "I have personally congratulated many such women who came together and cornered those who sell alcohol," said Rupani.

He conceded that despite strict measures, the problem will persist if efforts are not made to turn people away from alcohol.

The slum residents also sought schemes from the state government to ensure that they get a house of their own and a steady supply of water and electricity.