Hit by huge losses due to the pandemic, the Karnataka Marriage Halls Welfare Association has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister seeking exemption from paying property taxes and trade licence renewal fees, besides a discount on the fixed charges of Bescom and BWSSB.
The association has also sought relaxation of stringent rules to resume marriage and other spiritual activities in these halls.
The association, with more than 3,000 members, in its memorandum submitted a few days ago said that the closure of halls has affected the livelihood of many.
“While the owners are already reeling under severe loss, the dependents, including chefs, cooking assistants, shamiana rentals, sound and lighting, decorators and daily wage labourers, have lost their jobs as there is no activity at these halls,” association president Ramesh N Reddy said in the memorandum.
The association also said that the closure of these halls has indirectly affected several farmers who used to supply vegetables and flowers on large scale for functions.
'We sheltered homeless during lockdown'
“During the lockdown, all our halls served as shelters to the homeless. We cooked for those in distress and for Covid Care Centres. But none of us expected any remuneration then. Despite the complete shutdown of the business, we have paid all taxes to the government.
"But in the forthcoming year, we request the government to exempt us from paying property tax and trade licence renewal fee, besides a rebate on fixed charges of the Bescom and BWSSB,” the association members demanded.
The members stated that if allowed to open and resume activities, they will operate with stringent enforcement of the Covid safety rules as stipulated by the government.