Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Mar 9: The state government has drafted an amendment to the excise rules, to facilitate resumption of toddy sale in the state again. It is learnt that the government wants to take this step for helping the toddy tappers in the state, who are going through a lot of problems after toddy sale was banned about 20 years ago, to take to their traditional profession again.

In spite of stiff opposition from the finance department, the state government is learnt to have favoured sale of toddy through the Federation of Toddy Tappers instead the usual practice of auctioning of region-wise rights to sell the liquor. The government has been pressurized by about 5.80 lac toddy tappers spread over Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Raichur districts, who lost their livelihood after the toddy sale was banned, to come to their rescue. Various measures taken by the government to rehabilitate them in other jobs over the years have not borne the desired fruits.

The government also proposes to transfer the toddy tapping from the excise department to the revenue department and to provide for sale through contract system to Federations. The Federations will then sell toddy in retail.