The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Now, election sops for toddy tappers

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Monday, Feb 23, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Now, election sops for toddy tappers

Government to look into ban on sale of toddy in twin cities, says Chief Minister

Relief for families of tappers who died in accidents
Land for toddy tappers’ societies all over the State

PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

Show of strength: Members from the Goud community watch the fireworks on display at the ’Gouda Garjana’ public meeting in Hyderabad on Sunday. -

HYDERABAD: In what is seen as a major relief to the toddy tappers residing close to the twin cities, the government has agreed to thoroughly examine the government order that restricted sale of toddy within a 50 km radius of the State capital.

Addressing ‘Gouda Garjana’ here on Sunday, Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy announced a series of sops for the community. He said the government would look into the order that banned sale of toddy in the twin cities.

Licences to be revoked

“I will ensure that the toddy tappers are not put to hardships and the shops, whose licences have been cancelled would also be revoked after review,” he said adding that the Congress would see that more number of community leaders got tickets in the general elections. Referring to the other demands, he said orders would be issued immediately to ensure that the families of tappers, who died or sustained injuries accidentally, were paid compensation. Reacting to complaints against the insurance company, Dr. Reddy promised to cancel the agreement and make payment directly.

He also announced allotment of 5 to 10 acres of land to the toddy tappers societies in the gram panchayats, municipalities and corporation limits besides the State Capital to raise toddy trees.

Pensions sought

Earlier, the community representatives urged the Government to announce pensions to all the tappers, who crossed 55 years. They also wanted the government to take every step to help the community affected by increasing sale of cheap liquor and illicit distilled liquor.

Former MPs – T. Bala Goud and B. Dharmabhiksham, former MLA Desini Chinna Mallaiah, AP Goud Sangham general secretary B. Bala Goud and others were present.

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