Brewers’ body asks Karnataka govt to withdraw draft notifications, fear 10-20% price hike
Bengaluru: The Brewers Association of India (BAI) has urged the Karnataka government to withdraw its proposed amendments to beer regulations and tax increases, stating that these changes would negatively impact both the industry and the government.
In a press release, the BAI raised several objections to the proposed changes, highlighting that the draft introduces a new definition of beer that limits the addition of sugar to 25 percent and requires beer products to clearly label the content of malt and sugar.
"The draft notification also proposes to increase the excise duty on strong beer by 100 percent to Rs 20 per bulk litre, increasing the minimum billing price for beer in the state to Rs 300 per case and increases additional excise duty to 195 percent of the billing price or Rs 130 per bulk litre whichever is higher," the release read.
"The increase proposed in the draft notification would increase the prices by 10-20 percent in mainstream and premium segments. At the same time, it would also make beer unaffordable to the masses with the proposed 35 percent increase in taxes in this segment," said BAI, whose members account for 85 percent of the beer sold in India.
Vinod Giri, director general of the BAI, emphasised that beer contains no sugar and that the existing definition established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is already comprehensive and followed by all states. He questioned the necessity for Karnataka to impose its own definition.
Giri also noted that the proposed tax increases would affect consumers significantly, noting that the price of strong beer, which makes up 90 percent of beer sold in Karnataka, will increase by Rs 10-15 per bottle, making it one of the most expensive in the country. This change would increase the minimum price of beer from Rs 95 to Rs 140 per bottle.
"Due to the impact on MRP, we estimate the tax revenues from the beer category may actually fall to the tune of Rs 400 crore revenue from this proposal," said BAI.
Highlighting that Karnataka is the third largest beer market in India, the BAI stated that they are concerned that some proposed changes could hinder the growth of the industry, diminish the state's investment appeal, or drive future investments elsewhere.
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Five central organizations of Bhatkal hold joint condolence meet for SM Syed Khalil
Bhatkal: In a heartfelt tribute to SM Syed Khalil, popularly known as C.A. Khalil, five prominent organizations of Bhatkal came together for a joint condolence meeting at Jamia Masjid on Friday night. Khalil, a renowned NRI businessman and respected social and religious leader, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the community.
The event was organized under the joint auspices of Markazi Khalifa Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen, Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen Bhatkal, Jamia Islamia, Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, and Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem. Several dignitaries spoke about Khalil’s life, his contributions to society, and his immense impact on education and public service.
Maulana Khaja Mohiuddin Akrami Nadvi, Chief Qazi of Markazi Khalifa Jamaat, described Khalil as a man of deep faith and integrity. “He carried out every task in his life with religious consciousness and immense belief in God,” he said.
Maulana Abdul Rab Khateeb Nadvi, Chief Qazi of Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen, highlighted Khalil’s selflessness, saying, “His simplicity and the great services he rendered without any expectation of reward are an example for all of us.”
Maulana Abdul Aleem Khateeb Nadvi, Khateeb and Imam of Jamia Masjid, emphasized Khalil’s dedication to public service. “He devoted his property, wealth, and personality entirely for the welfare of society. His life was a shining example of commitment to community service,” he remarked.
Speaking on behalf of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Education Society, Vice President Muhammad Sadiq Pillor lauded Khalil’s contributions to education. “His efforts, especially in promoting girls’ education, are invaluable. He extended his services beyond Uttara Kannada to various parts of the country,” he said.
Inayatullah Shabandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem, reflected on Khalil’s efforts to secure political representation for the Muslim community. “He worked tirelessly to build strong relationships with national and state leaders, paving the way for the progress of Bhatkal,” he said.
The meeting also saw participation from Khalifa Jamaat Deputy Qazi Maulana Aiman Nadvi, Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen Deputy Qazi Abdul Ahad Farkade Nadvi, Zubair Kola, and SM Arshad of Mohtisham Complexes Pvt. Ltd., among others. Each expressed their grief and admiration for Khalil’s contributions.
At the conclusion of the event, the five central organizations jointly passed a condolence resolution, emphasizing that Khalil’s passing was an irreparable loss not only to Bhatkal but also to the Muslim community across India.
“The void left by CA Khalil, who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of society and the nation, will be hard to fill,” the resolution noted.
The program was conducted by Abdul Raqeeb M.J., General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem.
