Punjab Cabinet approves excise policy for 2013-14

The Punjab Cabinet on Thursday approved the new Excise and Taxation policy for the year 2013-14, with an increase of Rs 610 crore over last year. The revenue expected during 2013-14 is Rs 4,020 crore, as against Rs 3,410 crore in the current year.

Divulging the salient features of the new policy, a spokesperson at the Chief Minister's Office said the Cabinet has decided to continue with the existing system of allotment of liquor vends through draw of lots with an objective to provide quality liquor to the people at affordable prices.

It has also been decided to set up Model Shops in each Zone of Corporation City and 'A' class Municipalities. The quota of Punjab medium liquor has been marginally increased by 5 per cent and Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) by 2 per cent. Keeping in mind customer preference, the percentage of open quota has been increased from 60 per cent to 65 per cent.

There was a marginal increase of Rs 4 a litre only, in incidence, on PML and IMFL.

The policy provides for earmarking Rs.83 crores for education. Similarly, Rs.60 crores would be allocated for development of Sports in the State in addition to Rs 18 crore for preservation and maintenance of heritage monuments in the State. A provision for creating Social Security fund has been made in the Policy and approximately Rs.10 crores would be generated for this purpose.

Taking serious cognizance of the exploitation of consumers by the licensee the new policy has authorized Excise & Taxation Commissioner and the Assistant Excise & Taxation Commissioners to fix rate of liquor to be supplied at Marriage Palaces.

It may be recalled that the Punjab Government has already approved amendments in the Punjab Excise Act to curb illegal sale and smuggling of liquor. In this regard, the Cabinet gave nod to the amendment to Section 61 of the Punjab Excise Act. Now, if any vehicle was detected carrying more than 10 cases of liquor illegally, it would be confiscated and auctioned.