GUWAHATI: The Assam excise department is “puzzled” on what should be the decision taken regarding IMFL “off” (wine shops) outlets in the state.
With the lockdown in place, all the IMFL “on” outlets (bars) and shops are also closed but it has resulted in increase in the illegal consumption of illicit liquor.
The bars were closed before the nationwide lockdown was declared by the Prime Minister, and the liquor shops were closed only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of lockdown.
The state excise minister, Parimal Shuklabaidya, talking to G Plus said, “We are puzzled regarding the issue as the liquor ban has increased the consumption of illicit liquor made from rice in the state.”
The minister added that in many places people are using the free rice provided to them for preparation of country liquor. He opined that therefore he will raise the issue in the upcoming cabinet meeting slated to be held on 12th April and if all agree and the lockdown ends on 14th April, the liquor shops will open on 15th April.
Over the last 21 days, the excise department has lost around Rs 300 crores in excise revenues. A senior official in excise department said that including VAT and other taxes the state will lose around Rs 400 crores in excise revenue in 21 days.
Excise department in any state is one of the highest revenue generating departments.
In 21 days Guwahati city alone will lose Rs 21 crores as excise revenue.
The lockdown has also given birth to the unprecedented increase in the black marketing of liquor in the state.
