The Karnataka government has banned the use of artificial colours in foods like Gobi Machurian and cotton candy due to health concerns over poor quality. The move follows similar bans imposed by Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry last month. Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao cited the artificial colours as harmful and warned of serious consequences. Violations could result in imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
With the state Congress regimes second budget slated for Friday, hotels and restaurants are pressing the government for the industry status and easing out licensing challenges. An industry status like restaurants in Gujarat and neighbouring Maharashtra enjoy, would give them benefits in property tax and electricity tariffs.
The crude oil rate has come down from 134 dollars to 72 dollars at present. Similarly, the LPG rate has also come down by 50 dollars. But surprisingly, the government has not reduced the selling rate. Moreover, the GST on commercial LPG is 18%, whereas on domestic cylinders it is 5%, he added.