E-auction process of liquor units commences in Himachal Pradesh

The first-ever e-auction process for retail liquor vends in Himachal Pradesh has commenced from Monday for the financial year 1 April, 2026 to 31 March, 2027. This year, the State Government has approved the allotment of retail liquor units through a transparent online e-auction system. On the first day, the e-auction process was initiated for the districts of Kinnaur, Hamirpur and Chamba. The link to the e-auction portal has been made available on the official website of the State Taxes and Excise department www.hptax.gov.in and on the Excise e-Governance portal https://egovef.hptax.gov.in/. The portal can also be accessed directly at https://eauction.gov.in/ngauction.

The e-auction will be conducted unit-wise, with separate online bids invited for each retail excise liquor unit. Applicants will be able to participate in the bidding process remotely from their homes or offices. For the liquor units of Kinnaur, Hamirpur and Chamba districts, the submission of online applications will be open from 23 February, 2026 at 6:55 pm to 26 February, 2026 up to 6:15 pm. Scrutiny of documents will be conducted from 25 February at 6:30 pm to 27 February, 2026 up to 6:55 pm. The auction of retail liquor units will be held on 28 February, 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For the districts of Sirmour, Una and Baddi Revenue district, applications can be submitted from 24 February, 2026 at 6:55 pm to 26 February, 2026 up to 6:15 pm. Scrutiny will take place from 26 February at 6:30 pm to 28 February up to 6:55 pm. The auction will be conducted on 2 March, 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For Solan, Kangra and Bilaspur districts, applications will be accepted from 25 February at 6:55 pm to 27 February, 2026 up to 6:30 pm. Scrutiny of applications will be undertaken from 27 February at 6:30 pm to 2 March, 2026 up to 6:55 pm. The auction of vends will take place on 3 March, 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For Mandi district and Nurpur (Revenue district), applications can be submitted from 26 February at 6:55 pm to 28 February, 2026 up to 6:15 pm. Scrutiny will be conducted from 28 February at 6:30 pm to 3 March, 2026 up to 6:55 pm. The auction will be held on 5 March, 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For the districts of Shimla and Kullu, applications can be submitted from 27 February at 6:55 pm to 3 March, 2026 up to 6:15 pm. Scrutiny will be carried out between 3 March at 6:30 pm and 6 March, 2026 up to 6:55 pm. The auction will take place on 7 March, 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Commissioner, State Taxes and Excise, Dr. Yunus, stated that all applicants must register on the designated e-auction portal using a valid DSC. He further advised prospective bidders to carefully read and understand the Excise Policy, 2026-27, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and user manuals before participating in the bidding process. These documents will be available on the departmental website as well as on the e-auction portal.