Three-fold increase in state’s booze revenue: Min in House

Guwahati: The excise revenue and VAT collection from liquor saw a significant rise from Rs 1,433.01 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 4,281 crore in the current year, following a substantial increase in the previous year.
The revenue figures further reached Rs 4,798.73 crore in 2023-24.
During Wednesday's state assembly session, state excise minister Atul Bora, answering Congress legislator Nandita Das's questions, said Assam currently has 1,836 IMFL off shops and 1,060 bars. Since 2016, authorities have issued 150 new IMFL off shop licences and 711 bar licences.
The minister clarified that country spirit mahals no longer exist in the state, being replaced by country spirit retail shops. The assembly data showed consistent yearly increases in total excise revenue collection since 2016-17.
"Today, there are no country spirit mahals in Assam. In place of those, country spirit retail shops have been established in the state. At present, the number of country spirit retail shops in the state is 996," Bora stated in his written reply. Previously, country spirit mahals conducted manual bottling of country liquor without scientific testing, often facing accusations of unhygienic practices.
The minister confirmed the govt's understanding that alcohol consumption contributes to road accidents and social issues. He highlighted the implementation of awareness campaigns across various districts about alcohol's negative effects.
"There are numerous applications pending before the govt, but not all are allowed. Our govt is carrying out drives against drunken driving. Simultaneously, drives continue to destroy illicit liquor dens," Bora said. He emphasised that revenue generation would not compromise public health, noting that regulated liquor sales have reduced illegal liquor problems associated with mahals.
"The CM has repeatedly said earning more revenue from alcohol should not be our target. Our govt has abolished country spirit mahals allowed during the time of Congress," he said.