BOKARO: Minister of National Excise Tax Yogendra Prasad A stern warning has been issued to resettlement agencies that manage government liquor stores from charging more than the recommended retail price and declaring such practices illegal.
“All those running these shops and placements should remember that charging alcohol above the RRP from now on will cost them dearly.
They will be taken on duty (humlog washing powder lekar aaye hai, unka dhulai badhiya se hoga, vibhag mein jo daag dabba laga hai wo washing powder se saaf kar denge),” the minister said here on Monday.
Addressing the issue of inflated alcohol prices, the minister confirmed that complaints about overcharging are regularly received.
He promised prompt action against violators and called on placement agencies to maintain strict supervision to prevent consumers from being exploited.
On the potential privatization of liquor sales, the Excise Minister expressed openness to policy changes based on profitability assessment. He said, “Currently, the excise department generates Rs 2,700 crore every year and it will increase by 10% to about Rs 3,000 crore in the next financial year.
If by implementing policy changes or exploring privatization, we can look at it, the revenue could grow to Rs 3,500-4,000 crore.
Addressing concerns over falling liquor prices in neighboring West Bengal, the minister announced plans to implement a “track and trace” system instead of lowering prices.
The system is designed to prevent the importation of illegal liquor and ensure that only government-approved liquor is sold in Jharkhand.
The minister highlighted plans to increase state regulation of alcohol sales to boost revenue growth. He encourages public reporting of sales violations and ensures legitimate complaints are promptly investigated.
“We have also formed a team which will be ready at the state headquarters and will travel in any direction across the state to curb and control illegal drinking as soon as information is received,” he said.
“Through tighter regulations and innovative policies, the GST department aims to reduce the gap, enhance accountability and significantly increase revenue for Jharkhand,” Yogand Prasad concluded.
