B Aravinda Shetty/ENS
Bangalore, Sep 1: With a state-wide ban on arrack sale, its vendors have been rendered jobless and are denied any sort rehabilitation by the State Government.
Although the government introduced the ‘Suvarna Kayaka’ programme in the 2007-08 Budget in order to rehabilitate the arrack vendors, many are left helpless. But the programme is meant only for people in the age group of 30 to 40, leaving others outside this category in a predicament.
On June 28, 2007, the High Court had directed the government to rehabilitate the arrack vendors within three months. But, the government has not followed the order.
Many people who were involved in arrack-vending business were above 50 years, government sources said. According to the government records,more than 40,000 families were dependent on arrack-vending business. The ban on arrack sale come into force on July 1, 2007.
However, in the State Budget of 2007-08, it was announced that Suvarna Kayaka programme would provide alternative jobs to these arrack vendors.
‘‘The scheme was supposed to provide job-oriented training to one lakh people with a stipend and encourage them to open small scale industries with the financial assistance of the State. But, this scheme has been completely derailed now,’’ said advocate H M Renuka, representing the arrack vendors.
Soon after the government announced a ban on the arrack sale, the vendors had approached the High Court and sought a stay on implementing the ban. They also sought direction for the State to work out modalities regarding their rehabilitation. While disposing the petitions of Bangalore City and Rural District Arrack Vendors Welfare Association, the single judge bench directed the State to appoint a committee and frame proper guidelines. One year has passed since the court order, but the government is yet to consider the requests of the arrack vendors.
‘‘Recently, the government announced that it would issue 1,500 licences to retail liquor shops. The arrack vendors also approached the government demanding fresh licences.
However, owing to many pressures, the government withdrew its decision,’’ said advocate Renuka.