Uttarakhand Cabinet approves new Excise Policy 2025

ANI March 3, 2025 214 views

The Uttarakhand government has unveiled a progressive Excise Policy for 2025 targeting strategic liquor management. Focusing on public sensitivities, the policy aims to close licenses near religious sites and enforce strict MRP controls. Revenue projections show an ambitious target of Rs 5,060 crore for the upcoming fiscal year. The policy represents a comprehensive approach to balancing economic interests with social considerations in alcohol sales regulation.

"Public sensitivities paramount in new liquor regulation approach" - Uttarakhand Government Release
Dehradun, March 3: The Uttarakhand cabinet on Monday approved the new Excise Policy 2025, according to a release.

Key Points

1

Liquor licenses near religious places to be closed

2

MRP enforcement for all alcohol sales

3

Revenue target set at Rs 5,060 crore

4

Enhanced consumer protection measures

A statement from the release said that the state's new Excise Policy 2025 has decided to close liquor licenses near religious places, considering their importance.

Furthermore, keeping public sensitivities paramount, more control will be exercised over the sale of liquor. Sub-shops and the metro liquor sales system have been abolished.

In the new Excise Policy, if a shop charges more than MRP, the license can be canceled. MRP will also apply to departmental stores, which will protect consumers' interests.

Excise revenue has increased significantly in the state in the last two years.

A revenue target of Rs 5,060 crore has been set for the financial year 2025-26.

In the financial year 2023-24, a revenue of Rs 4,038.69 crore was earned against the target of Rs 4,000 crore.

In the financial year 2024-25, about Rs 4,000 crore has been received so far against the target of Rs 4,439 crore.

The CAG report on the Excise policy was tabled in the Delhi assembly on the second day of the assembly session by the newly elected CM Rekha Gupta.

The CAG reports highlight the alleged irregularities in the Policy introduced during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

As per the CAG report tabled, the Delhi excise policy 2021-22 was implemented to simplify the liquor trade, bring transparency, check monopolies, generate optimum revenue, and ensure a better consumer experience. However, the objectives of the policy change were not achieved.

The report is one of the 14 pending CAG reports on the previous Aam Aami Party government's performance.

According to the report tabled today, the audit observed several discrepancies in the way the Excise Department monitored and regulated the supply of liquor in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

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