BENGALURU — A draft proposal by the Karnataka government to increase excise licence fees has sparked strong opposition from wine merchants across the state. The Federation of Wine Merchants’ Association of Karnataka is mobilizing efforts to challenge the move, with a series of meetings scheduled this week.
According to the draft notification issued on May 15, the revised fee structure is slated to come into effect from July 1, coinciding with the annual renewal of excise licences. The proposed hike has raised concerns among traders, who argue that the financial burden could adversely impact their operations.
Govindaraj Hegde, General Secretary of the Federation, confirmed that a delegation of association members will meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday afternoon to express their objections and seek reconsideration of the proposal.
In preparation for a coordinated response, all district-level association heads have been summoned to a meeting on Thursday to deliberate on the next course of action. While the association is exploring its options, Hegde clarified that no decision has been made regarding a statewide dry day protest.
The outcome of the meetings is expected to shape the association’s formal stance and potential agitation strategy against the proposed fee increase.
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