Liquor policy: AP Excise Minister promises transparent reforms
He said the YSRC government nationalised liquor trade and operated it like a business empire.
TIRUPATI: Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra has outlined the government's commitment to restoring public health and state revenues through a revamped and transparent liquor policy.
Speaking at a state-level review meeting with excise officials here on Wednesday, the minister alleged that the previous government dismantled the state’s excise system and created conditions for sale of harmful liquor to the public under the guise of prohibition.
He said the YSRC government nationalised liquor trade and operated it like a business empire. “Multinational brands were removed and the public was forced to consume substandard local liquor, causing severe health issues and an increase in cross-border smuggling.”
“People suffered, revenue fell, and liquor sales surged in border states as our market collapsed due to poor quality and unreliable supply,” he said.
The minister alleged massive financial irregularities during the YSRC term, stating that transactions of `1 lakh crore occurred under the “Cash and Carry” model, which was now under CID investigation. He also accused the previous regime of mortgaging future liquor revenues to secure `32,000 crore in loans.
Ravindra claimed that the present government introduced a study-based liquor policy, drawing from successful models in six states. “We’ve ensured transparency — from shop allocation through lotteries to digital payments at every outlet. Nearly 90,000 applications for shop licences generated over `1,800 crore.”
He said over 350 quality liquor brands, including well-known ones previously removed, were now available across AP. Prices have been aligned with those of neighboring states to reduce illegal imports. New measures like online indenting and a ‘Track and Trace’ system have been introduced to ensure accountability.
As part of anti-substance initiatives, Ravindra said coordination with the state home department had led to the creation of special Eagle Teams to combat ganja smuggling. Under the Navodayam 2.0 mission, AP was being steered towards a liquor-responsible and ganja-free state, he claimed.
