Uttarakhand cabinet approves New Excise Policy 2025
The new Excise Policy 2025 of Uttarakhand has been approved by the Cabinet today. The government has made several provisions under the policy. In the new excise policy, if a shop charges more than the MRP, then there is a provision to cancel the license. MRP has also been implemented on departmental stores.
Keeping in view the importance of religious places in the state’s new Excise Policy 2025, it has been decided to close the liquor licenses near them. Keeping public sensibilities paramount, more control will be exercised on the sale of liquor. Sub-shops and metro liquor sales system have been abolished. In the new Excise Policy, a provision has been made to cancel the license if a shop charges more than the MRP. MRP will also be applicable to departmental stores, which will protect the interests of consumers.
Revenue target of Rs 5060 crore for the financial year 2025-26
The state has seen a significant increase in excise revenue in the last two years. A revenue target of Rs 5060 crore has been set for the financial year 2025-26. In the financial year 2023-24, a revenue of Rs 4038.69 crore was earned against the target of Rs 4000 crore. In the financial year 2024-25, about Rs 4000 crore has been received so far against the target of Rs 4439 crore.
Winery units from hilly areas will be given exemption in excise duty for the next 15 years
Under the new excise policy, local residents will get priority and employment opportunities. Wholesale liquor licenses will be issued only to Uttarakhand residents, which will increase economic opportunities in the state. To encourage wineries in hilly areas, winery units from fruits produced in the state will be exempted from excise duty for the next 15 years. This will provide economic benefits to farmers and those working in the horticulture sector. Export duty has been reduced to encourage investment in the liquor industry. Special facilities will be provided to the malt and spirit industries in the hilly areas.
Local agricultural products are being encouraged to be used by distilleries
Under the excise policy, shops will be allotted through transparent processes like renewal, lottery and maximum offer. The allotment process has been made completely fair and transparent. Local agricultural products are being encouraged to be used by distilleries. This will increase the income of farmers and provide them new markets. In the Excise Policy-2025, provision has been made to run special campaigns to make the general public aware of the ill effects of alcohol. The new excise policy has been made keeping in mind economic strengthening, transparency and social responsibility in the state.
