J&K: Draft Excise Policy to allot Retail Liquor Vends

The government has put a “Draft Excise Policy” in public domain with respect to the government’s proposal to allot the retail liquor vends through e-auction. This move was taken by the government in order to generate more revenue for the exchequer in the Union territory. It will also remove the possibility of cartelization and monopolistic practices.

Excise Policy 2021-22

This policy will be finalized soon by the government. This policy has been drafted with the aim of rationalizing the number of taxes or duties and other levies. This will help in optimizing the revenue for common good and encouraging the transition from high alcoholic content beverages to low. It will also bring about a greater social consciousness regarding the harmful effects of consumption of liquor and alcoholic beverages. Finally, it will check bootlegging or smuggling of liquor in Union Territories from neighbouring States or Union Territories.

Provisions of the policy

According to the Excise Policy, the vends will be allotted for the period of one year in accordance with the provisions of J&K Excise Act and Rules. Further, total number of shops which will be allocated will be the same as the existing numbers of shops. The policy also comprises no provisions for increasing the number of vends to be auctioned.

How the vends will be allocated?

The vends will be allotted in those areas where these shops are operational currently. Vends will be allotted through e-auction portal in a secured and transparent manner. One can apply for any number of locations for vends, but they will be allocated only one location to negate the cartelization and monopolistic practices. Further, the bidder must be above the age 21 and should have a domicile of Jammu & Kashmir. The bidder should not be convicted or charge-sheeted for any offence in accordance with J&K Excise Act.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2021