PrashantNews
In its new excise policy for FY 2025-26, the BJP government on Monday decided to shut liquor shops near all the religious places in the state.
After a state cabinet meeting held in the state secretariat, an official statement quoting top officials said keeping in view the sanctity of the religious places, the cabinet decided to withdraw the liquor licenses near them. “Keeping in view the sentiments of the people in general, more control will be exercised on the sale of liquor in the state,” it said.
Sub-letting system in shops and metro liquor sales system have been abolished. In the new Excise Policy, if a price higher than MRP is charged at a shop, then a provision has been made to cancel the license. MRP will also be applicable on departmental stores, which will protect the interests of consumers.
*Revenue target of Rs 5060 crore for the financial year 2025-26*
There has been a significant increase in excise revenue in the state in the last two years. A revenue target of Rs 5060 crore has been set for the financial year 2025-26 which is 14 percent higher than the previous year’s target. In the financial year 2023-24, a revenue of Rs 4038.69 crore was earned against the target of Rs 4000 crore. In the financial year 2024-25, against the target of Rs 4439 crore, about Rs 4000 crore has been received so far.
*Winery units from hilly areas will be exempted from excise duty for the next 15 years.*
Under the new excise policy, local residents will get priority and employment opportunities for setting up winery units in the state. Wholesale liquor licenses will be issued only to Uttarakhand residents, which will increase economic opportunities in the state. To encourage wineries in hilly areas, winery units from fruits produced in the state will be exempted from excise duty for the next 15 years. This will provide economic benefits to farmers and those working in the horticulture sector.
*Local agricultural products are being encouraged to be used by distilleries.*
Under the excise policy, shops will be allotted through transparent processes like renewal, lottery and maximum offer. The allotment process has been made completely fair and transparent. Local agricultural products are being encouraged to be used by distilleries. This will increase the income of farmers and provide them new markets. In the Excise Policy-2025, provision has been made to run special campaigns to make the general public aware of the ill effects of alcohol. The new excise policy has been made keeping in mind economic strengthening, transparency and social responsibility in the state.