Pension for toddy tappers increased, tax waived: KCR

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday enhanced pension for the toddy tappers from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000 a month and also waived tax on palm trees.

Announcing the sops in the Assembly on Thursday, KCR said that renewal of licence of toddy societies had been increased from existing five years to 10 years and also granted five-acre land, Rs 5 crore for Gouda Bhavan in Hyderabad.

Also extending pension to members of the tree for tappers (TFT) scheme, he stated that this would benefit 30,000 families of Gouda community.

The Chief Minister said that the toddy tappers were neglected in the undivided state so much so that their profession has become questionable.

He further pointed out that the TRS government opened toddy shops in Hyderabad under its rule and added that even though the government is set to lose Rs 16 crore revenue a year, the tax on trees is being waived.

He even mentioned as to how the state government cleared Rs 6.38 crore arrears and increased ex gratia to Rs 5 lakh to the kin of those who died or were disabled due to falling from trees, unlike the previous governments who delayed the payment of ex gratia.

KCR added that the raising of palm trees is being taken up in a huge way as a part of Telanganaku Haritha Haaram.