Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha is prioritising implementation of the new Excise Policy with a focus on curbing alcohol consumption and streamlining regulatory mechanisms, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Monday.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Conference Hall of Lok Seva Bhavan, Harichandan clarified that the government is not aiming to open new liquor shops or boost liquor sales. Instead, it plans to introduce an additional “De-addiction Cess” to discourage alcohol consumption and promote public awareness against drinking.
As part of the proposed reforms, the existing Minimum Guarantee Quantity (MGQ) system will be abolished and replaced with the MGER system. The move is expected to ease pressure on liquor dealers to meet fixed sales targets, thereby reducing forced sales practices.
The minister emphasised that illegal liquor trade poses serious risks, including loss of life and property, while also causing revenue leakage for the state. He said the government is focusing on eliminating illegal trade in narcotics and intoxicants and improving transparency in the allocation of liquor shops through a streamlined e-lottery system.
Harichandan expressed confidence that the proposed reforms would strengthen the excise framework, curb illicit trade, and enhance state revenue.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretary of the Excise Department R.S. Gopalan, Excise Commissioner P. Anvesha Reddy, Additional Secretary Debashish Pattnaik, and representatives from the NIC, among others.
