Toddy tappers hail CM gesture

Hyderabad, August 1 :-

  The toddy tappers community members on Saturday urged the Chief Minister, Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, to take more steps for upliftment of their community from social and economic backwardness.

The community members met the Chief Minister to thank him for announcing Rs 200 pension to those who crossed 55 years of age. 

They also appealed to Cm to take steps to enact a comprehensive legislation to protect the interests of tappers.

They also urged the Cm to issue orders immediately to ensure that the families of tappers, who died or sustained injuries accidentally, were paid more compensation.

Re-opening of closed shops in the Agency areas, alienation of 10-acre land in every village for growing hybrid trees, payment of widow pension and award of ex-gratia to eligible tappers were among the other demands.

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