The Hindu : Licence fee hiked for toddy shops

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 08, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Licence fee hiked for toddy shops

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM MARCH. 7. The UDF High Power Committee today decided to continue the licensing system for toddy shops during 2003, but recommended a 15 to 50 per cent hike in licence fee subject to certain conditions.

The HPC also recommended making the first of every month a dry day. According to reliable information, some of the UDF partners demanded restoration of the auction system for toddy shops, which was turned down. The HPC was of the view that the number of toddy shops should be limited to last year's level of 4,356. It recommended that those who were running toddy shops at present should be given preference to continue their trade, provided they have not been indicted under the abkari laws.

Disclosing parts of the UDF decision, the convener, Oommen Chandy, said the hike in licence fee for toddy shops would be effected on the basis of certain conditions. Toddy shops which employ more toddy workers would be considered for lower rates as they have to shell out more funds on payment of wages and other benefits for the workers.

The UDF committee also recommended opening of beer and wine parlours in tourist areas to be designated by the Tourism Department. The KTDC would be permitted to open beer and wine parlours in areas it wants to. The UDF suggested the setting up of an official committee to study the functioning of the Excise Department and recommend long-term policy measures to be implemented.

It wanted the Government to earmark a grant for carrying out anti-liquor awareness campaigns by non-governmental organisations functioning in the area. Mr. Chandy said the question of opening additional outlets of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation was not discussed.

The UDF also set up an 11-member committee to examine practical problems that have arisen in the implementation of minor irrigation and road development projects in the backdrop of the Panchayat Raj laws. Mr. Chandy said that the committee was being set up on the basis of a memorandum submitted by 43 ruling front MLAs pointing out to these difficulties. The committee would comprise the Irrigation Minister, T. M. Jacob, the PWD minister, M. K. Muneer, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, P. P. George, C. Mammootty, Johnny Nellore, Rajan Babu, all MLAs, Joy Abraham, K. P. Sankaradas, K. G. Kuttan Nair, and K. R. Aravindakshan.

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