Excise Policy Being Implemented Transparently, Says Minister Kollu Ravindra

Excise minister Kollu Ravindra reviewed the functioning of the department with officials from the joint Visakhapatnam district on Friday. Excise Department Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Addressing officials, Ravindra alleged that the liquor policy introduced by the previous YSRC government was affected by corruption. He also claimed that thousands of people had died due to the circulation of spurious liquor. A Special Investigation Team would investigate the alleged fake liquor case, he said, adding that those found responsible were being arrested and would face further action.

The minister said the state government had introduced a new excise policy to ensure transparency and improve the regulation of liquor sales. Of the 3,562 liquor shops in the State, licences for 2,929 had already been renewed, while fresh applications were being invited for 804 outlets, he said.

Applications would be accepted until October 1, after which they would be scrutinised and the shops allotted through a draw of lots, Ravindra said. Any eligible applicant with an Aadhaar card could apply, he added.

The minister said the government had permitted designated drinking rooms to discourage alcohol consumption in public places. The Suraksha app would monitor liquor movement, while CCTV cameras at liquor outlets would be connected to control rooms to strengthen surveillance.

Ravindra said the government was making liquor with a lower alcohol content available. It was also taking steps to curb liquor syndicates and eliminate unauthorised sales. Four liquor quality-testing laboratories had been established across the State to strengthen quality monitoring, he added.