Haryana aims Rs 3,700 cr revenue from liquor

Haryana Excise and Taxation Minister Capt. Abhimanyu today said for the first time auctions of liquor vends would be made through e-tendering system under the new Excise Policy so as to ensure complete transparency in allotment of vends in the state.
Abhimanyu stated here while addressing media today after the cabinet meeting here today in which the new Excise Policy for year 2015-16 was approved.
In reply to a query, he said that new excise policy was expected to generate a revenue of about Rs 3,700 crore this year under the existing excise policy.
The actual amount of collection would be presented through revised estates in the ensuing budget, he said.

However, he said the court has directed to close down liquor vends situated on highways which had resulted in the loss of revenue.
"In year 2015-16, we would likely to achieve the same target inspite of the closing down of vends on highways," he added.

On being asked to comment on the liquor theft, the minister said efforts are being made in this direction under which it is being ensured to make available online record of every bottle of liquor.
To start with, live recording through CCTV cameras would be started in the office of Excise and Taxation Commissioner right from the distilleries, he said.

The system of online permit would start from April 1, 2015.
Apart from this, directions have been issued to ensure complete transparency, accountability and strong enforcement in the distilleries and vends, he said.
He said that with the directions of the Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, it has also been decided not to open liquor vends in those panchayats which do not want to have them in their villages.
In addition, liquor vends would not be open within the limit of 150 metre of religious places and educational institutes.
He said that fee of bar licence which had not been increased for last eight years had also been enhanced in the new excise policy.

Earlier, the fee for bar licence was Rs six lakh per annum across the state which has been increased to Rs 12.5 lakh for Gurgaon, Rs 10 lakh for Faridabad and Rs 7.5 lakh for other districts.