Irregularities in Jharkhand excise dept: CAG

Test check of the records of the state excise department of Jharkhand government during 2007-08 by the audit team of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) revealed cases on non/short realisation of license fee, duty, loss of revenue and so on amounting to Rs 38.97 crore in 122 cases.

The state excise department accepted non/short realisation of license fee, duty and deficiencies of Rs 2.06 crore in 94 cases pointed out in audit during 2007-08. The CAG's report for the year ended 31 March 2008 highlighted the absence of provision for levy of import pass fee on rectified spirit deprived the government of revenue of Rs 2.39 crore.

The report said non-institution of certificate cases in time against the defaulters by the department resulted in loss of interest of Rs 1.15 crore.

In nine excise districts, 18 licenses of excise retail shops did not lift the fixed minimum guaranteed quota of liquor during 2002-07 which resulted in loss of excise duty of Rs 25.98 crore.

In six excise districts, non-acceptance of surrender of licenses, delays in renewal of licenses, non-settlement of excise shops of Group-l and ll and non-operation of these shops departmentally, resulted in loss of license fee and excise duty of Rs 58.29 crore.

In four excise districts, non-renewal of licenses of two grantees of exclusive privilege for wholesale supply of country spirit resulted in loss of license fee of Rs 53.08 lakh, besides non-forfeiture of security money of Rs 35 lakh.

In three excise zones, non-finalisation of tenders and non-renewal of licenses for wholesale supply of spiced country spirit resulted in loss of license fee of Rs 23.25 lakh besides non-forfeiture of security money of Rs 6 lakh.

In one excise district, non-realisation of license fee at correct rate from eight bars/restaurants resulted in short realisation of Rs 24 lakh.