Govt announces Rs 200 pension for toddy tappers

Hyderabad, July 30 :-

  In what is seen as a major relief to the toddy tappers, the state government on Thursday announced a series of sops for the community.

Rural Development Minister Vatti Vasanth Kumar announced Rs 200 pension to all the tappers, who crossed 55 years of age. With the government decision, about one lakh tappers would be benefited.

Addressing reporters after the Assembly session here, the Minister said the government would look into the order that banned sale of toddy in the twin cities. He said the government has agreed to thoroughly examine the government order that restricted sale of toddy within a 50 km radius of the State capital.

“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.

He said that orders would be issued immediately to ensure that the families of tappers, who died or sustained injuries accidentally, were paid compensation.

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.

They also wanted the government to take every step to help the community affected by increasing sale of cheap liquor and illicit distilled liquor.