JAMMU: Raising concerns over the Government’s proposal on draft excise policy for 2021-22, aiming to allot new liquor vends through e-auction process by closing the already operating shops, Jammu Wine Traders Association (JWTA) has said that traders as well as employees working in this trade for last over 50 years in J&K will lose their livelihood, if this policy is implemented.
“We reject this policy which is meant for rich persons alone. None of us can afford to compete in e-auction as we are small traders, who earn livelihood from this business for decades,” JWTA chairman Jagdish Singh Jasrotia said while addressing a press conference. He was flanked by spokesperson of the Association Charanjeet Singh and other members. Demanding continuation of the existing policy, he said that over 30,000 families are directly or indirectly earning their livelihood from this business and most of the present licensees are widows, senior citizens and unemployed youth, who have no other source of income.
“The new Excise policy is nothing but a replica of the policy adopted by Geology and Mining Department and the sufferers will be general public for sure,” Jasrotia added. He said that the policy will open up vistas of opportunities for outsiders, including unscrupulous elements to open up their outlets in Jammu & Kashmir and lead to unethical trade practices. “This policy will encourage smuggling of illicit liquor in a big way, under garb of making supplies to the outlets,” he added. Jastrotia said before switching over to new excise policy, the Government should have taken a lenient view with regard to existing license holders as the proposed e-auctioning will put at risk prospects of their survival and sustenance.
“There is no other option for us to earn livelihood as we are connected with the business for years. Now, it has become almost impossible for us to continue the same due to introduction of new excise policy.” he said.
JWTA chairman urged the Central Government and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene into their matter and resolve their issues at the earliest.
