By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 19 Dec: BJP state spokesperson and former cabinet minister Khajan Das today claimed that the excise sector is set to achieve a new revenue record due to transparent policies and strict vigilance under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He also reminded that, earlier, the Mining Sector too had witnessed record rise in revenue. He added that heavy fines have been imposed for over-rating of liquor products and other violations, significantly contributing to the state treasury.
Das highlighted that fines totalling Rs 1.07 crores were imposed in 195 cases of over-rating and a total penalty of Rs 40.81 lakhs was levied in 1203 other violation cases across the state. In Dehradun alone, fines amounting to Rs 45.25 lakhs were imposed in 74 over-rating cases, with a total of Rs 55.12 lakhs collected in form of penalties. He claimed that other districts, including Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, and Haridwar, also witnessed similar actions and substantial fines imposed for similar violations.
Das claimed that the Excise Policy 2024, implemented under Chief Minister Dhami’s instructions, aims to organise both consumers and businessmen in the state’s interest. This policy has led to increased investment and employment opportunities, with new liquor units being established. He further claimed that local people are being given opportunities in license allocation through a transparent process, and all liquor shops, warehouses, and bottling units are now digitally monitored.
Das noted that the latest departmental figures are encouraging. In the fiscal year 2023-24, revenue of Rs 4,038.69 crores was received against a target of Rs 4,000 crores. So far in 2024, revenue of Rs 3,170 crores has been earned, indicating that the target will likely be surpassed.
He praised the Excise Department’s effective work in providing liquor to consumers at reasonable MRP and increasing revenue under Chief Minister Dhami’s guidance. He asserted that strict control has been maintained on licensees through departmental inspections and mock purchasing. Efforts to promote micro-industries in the hills are also attracting investors. He claimed that the transparent policies for revenue growth are bearing fruit, and the state is moving towards development due to the government’s policies and intentions.
