New toddy policy soon, says Excise Minister

Minister for Excise and Prohibition K.S. Jawahar has stated that excise revenue is not as important as health of the common man.

Addressing a meeting of toddy tappers’ societies from the 13 districts of the State here on Saturday, Mr. Jawahar said a new toddy policy would soon be drafted for the benefit of the toddy tappers.

“There are 85,000 registered toddy tappers in the State. It is proposed to allow them to tap toddy anywhere in the State under the new policy. It is also proposed to provide them cover under the Chandranna Bima Yojana under the new policy,” the Minister said.

Technology utilisation

Stating that the government was keen on bringing in technology in toddy fermentation, Mr. Jawahar said special teams would be deputed to Kerala and Maharashtra shortly to study the processes there.

Claiming that 92% people were happy with the new excise policy, he said more reforms would be introduced in tune with the public opinion. The Minister said that 600 wine shops had been relocated and belt shops removed completely in conformity to public perception.

Drive against ganja

Mr. Jawahar further said the government constituted special teams to root out ganja cultivation in six mandals of Visakhapatnam district. He said that PD Act would be invoked on those indulging in the illegal trade.

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