Mangaluru: As catering institutions have been left without work ever since the lockdown was imposed by the Government, their demand to be exempted from tax will be verified and a decision will be taken in this regard soon,” informed Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary on Friday, April 10.

He was speaking at a simple programme for the distribution of food kits to the poor organised by the district Catering Owners’ Association at Gokul Hall, near the Kadri temple.

“Even though catering owners have incurred huge losses after the lockdown, they helping the poor,” the Minister praised them, adding that their demand for a tax exemption will be reviewed.

Mangaluru North MLA Dr Y Bharath Shetty lauded the catering institutions and asked all associations to come forward to assist the poor.

Mayor Divakar Pandeshwar also promised to immediately take a decision on tax exemptions for catering institutions after considering everyone’s inputs.

Catering association organising secretary Rajgopal Rai submitted a list of demands, including tax exemptions, to Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary.

Meanwhile, food kits were disbursed to a few people symbolically and the rest were delivered right to the doorsteps of the poor later.

Catering association president Sathish Bolara presided over the programme. Corporators Manohar Shetty, Shakeela Kava, Kadri temple managing trustee Dinesh Devadiga and others were present.