Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Apr 10: Liquor shops which fall under the excise department play a prominent role in bringing revenue to the government. In the past, liquor shops were closed 24 hours before an election began, with a view of maintaining law and order, security, and transparency. This was also justifiable. But for the panchayat elections held henceforth, which will also apply to the panchayat bypolls, these shops will remain closed for the entire period beginning from the date on which election code of conduct is enforced, to the day result is announced, as per recently enforced rules. In affect, this means that liquor shops will down their shutters from April 4 to 19 (16 days) for the by-elections for 26 seats in 21 gram panchayats. Questions have arisen over the justifiability and suitability of this new rule.
Just saying that this has been done as per the recommendation made by the committee on Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act ammendment committee headed by Ramesh Kumar does not serve the purpose. On an average, a bar owner pays advance tax of about Rs 1,300 every day to the government, besides providing employment to ten to 20 people, who support their respective families. The new rule that appears to be ridiculous makes bar owners to suffer heavy losses, and at the same time, allows bars located inside the jurisdiction of another village and at the border of the earlier village to be run without any problem.
For example, all the wine shops in Handadi gram panchayat near Brahmavar have been closed to facilitate panchayat bypoll for two seats, whereas the wine shop that is located very near to Handadi gram panchayat is open because it is located within the limits of neighbouring Varamballi village. For the lone seat in Heroor village within Chantaru panchayat, the bars there are forced to be closed. However, another bar located just a hundred metres away on the other side of the road is open. People wonder whether it right and just to keep seven liquor shops closed for 15 days for the election being held to the lone vacant seat in Chantaru panchayat?
Questions might arise whether or not discussions are held in the state assembly before implementing new rules. Genuine doubt arises as to whether people's representatives took part in discussions before giving their nod to this ridiculous and strange rule. On the other hand, it looks like they had a feeling of indifference towards the plights of liquor shops which bring so much revenue to the government. Some also say that this is an example for the irresponsibility of people's representatives.
These rules, which force liquor shops to remain closed for 16 days, result in losses to the government's revenue. The also pose problems for the business concerns and employed people. If the people of this village can cross over the road and drink from the opposite shops, why cant they be allowed to consume liquor in the bars of their own village?
On the one hand, excise department compels bar owners on selling so many cases of liquor by increasing their targetted sales. On the other, the above rule which bars them from conducting business, has been brought into force. Now, the question arises about the problems faced by ordinary businessmen. "Who will find a solution to these problems, and why, instead of bringing in strange rules and creating problems, can't total liqour ban be enforced in the entire state," questions Birti Rajesh Shetty, former president of Varamballi gram panchayat.