Illegal sale of liquor will not be tolerated – Deputy Chief Minister Deora

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Jagdish Deora said that the illegal sale of liquor should be strictly banned in Madhya Pradesh and strict action should be taken against crime. Shri Deora said this in a workshop of licensees of liquor retail shops in connection with the new excise policy/excise system for 2025-26 organized at the Institute of Environmental Studies (EPCO) in Bhopal on Monday. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Deora also held a meeting with distillers,  domestic/foreign liquor manufacturers, and bar licensees. He also discussed the achievements of the Commercial Tax Department. 

 Deputy Chief Minister Shri Deora instructed all the departmental officers that they must remain alert about illegal activities   at their headquarters. He said that there should be no illegal transportation of liquor under any circumstances and strictest possible action should be taken against criminals. A close watch will be kept on the illegal trade of liquor in the state and wherever information about illegal trade or black marketing is received, strict action will be taken.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Commercial Tax Department has an important contribution in providing revenue to the state government. The revenue target of the Excise Department in the financial year 2024-25 is Rs 16 thousand crores. I have full confidence that with coordinated efforts, we will achieve this goal.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Deora said that innovations are constantly being made by the Commercial Tax Department. The excise policy of various states is being studied. Their good qualities will be incorporated into the excise policy of the state. He said that the policy can be improved only when we talk to experienced people. In the workshop, the liquor traders and contractors of the state also informed the Deputy Chief Minister about their problems. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Deora said that if there is a problem then the government will solve it. Obstructions will be removed. The government is very alert. He instructed the departmental officers to try to solve the problems of the liquor traders of the state. Shri Deora said that the Excise Department plays an important role in the revenue generation of the state.

In the workshop, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Deora said that the Excise Department has provided many facilities to the licensees through the e-Excise portal, due to which work is being executed with more transparency and the revenue is continuously increasing. Licensees should also operate their shops and bars as per the rules. In case of any irregularities, the department will take action against the licensees.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Deora said that it is expected from the departmental officers that they should immediately resolve the complaints received through all the public representatives/ministers/MLAs and once the problems are resolved, the concerned should also be informed. It is our collective responsibility to stop excise crimes by effectively implementing the Excise Act. The department aims to make a balanced excise policy for 2025-26 with coordinated efforts. I hope that we are successful.

In the programme, Principal Secretary of Commercial Tax Shri Amit Rathore said that liquor traders make a major contribution in the revenue of the state. He hoped that the health and safety of the public would be taken care of. Excise Commissioner Shri Abhijeet Aggarwal proposed the vote of thanks. On this occasion, departmental officers and representatives of liquor traders/licensees were also present.