Cabinet approves new Excise Policy 2025. Selling liquor above MRP will face immediate licence cancellation.
Revenue target of Rs 5,060 crore for the financial year 2025-26.
DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand state cabinet has approved the New Excise Policy 2025 during a cabinet meeting held at the secretariat on Monday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The government has claimed that the new policy aims to bring transparency to liquor sales and curb irregularities. In the new policy the sale of the liquor will be completely prohibited in and around religious places. The provision of opening of sub-shops has been abolished to prevent illegal sales.
In a decision aimed at reducing the menace of overpricing of liquor, the state government claims to have introduced strict measures. Any shop found selling liquor above MRP will face immediate licence cancellation. The MRP regulation has also been extended to the departmental stores selling liquor, ostensibly to ensure uniform pricing. Additionally, the sale of metro liquor has been completely banned under the new policy.
Revenue target of Rs 5,060 crore for the financial year 2025-26
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.
Winery units from hilly areas will be given exemption in excise duty for the next 15 years
Under the new excise policy, local residents will get priority and employment opportunities. Bulk 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 will be exempted from excise duty for the next 15 years from the fruits produced in the state. This will provide economic benefits to farmers and those working in the horticulture sector. Export duty has been reduced to encourage investment in the liquor industry. Malt and spirit industries will be provided special facilities in hilly areas.
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, a provision has been made to run a special campaign to make the general public aware of the ill effects of alcohol. It has been said that the new excise policy has been made keeping in mind the economic strengthening, transparency and social responsibility in the state.
