The Hindu reported the woes of the Kalamkari artisans due to lack of the jaggery

Krishna district Collector M. Raghunandan Rao on Monday handed over the permanent trade licence, issued by Commercial Tax department, for procurement, transport and sale of black jaggery, to the Kalamkari Artisans’ Union members at the Collectorate here.

The registered licence number was VJ2/0173/7851 (as per the AP Value Added Tax Act 2005) was officially sanctioned on December 17, based on the recommendations of the Excise Superintendent K. Pradeep Rao.

Amicable solution

In response to the woes of the Kalamkari industry due to scarcity of black jaggery, both the district Collector and Excise official found an amicable solution to encourage the rural industry. The Hindu reportet the woes of the Kalamkari artisans and the officials reacted positively to that. Excise Superintendent K. Pradeep Rao told The Hindu that the Kalamkari union deserved the licence as it was found to be of great necessity for supply of black jaggery. “There is no hesitation to act against the members of the KAU if violation of the licence in any manner is found. We will keep vigil on illegal transportation of jaggery, even within the limits of the Kalamkari industry,” he added.

KAU president Y.V. Malleswara Rao and other members thanked the authorities concerned.

The artisans are now being allowed to procure and transport the black jaggery from Chittoor and Anakapalle in Visakhapatnam district.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Machilipatnam – December 31st, 2013