Industry Odisha Bureau, Mar 26: After holding several deliberations, the BJP government has come up with its own new Excise Policy, which will remain in force for three financial years from April 1.
Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has announced the new Policy here in the Assembly today.
The government is trying to bring stability and transparency in the policy by replacing the previous annual excise policy with a triennial excise policy, along with the process of amending it if necessary, Harichandan said.
An important decision taken under the policy is the imposition of 0.5 percent de-addiction cess on excise duty. Through this, liquor has been recognized as a harmful substance, he said.
The revenue generated from this scheme will be spent on establishing and strengthening de-addiction centers, the Minister informed.
As per the policy, the application fee for various excise licenses will be increased by 10 percent and the license fee will increase by 10 to 20 percent every year. Excise duty on IMFL and country-made liquor has also increased.
As a major structural change, the Minimum Guaranteed Quantity (MGO) system has been brought to the Minimum Guaranteed Excise Revenue (MGER) system. This will not only protect the government revenue but also reduce the pressure on traders. It will also help in stopping black sale of the liquor, the Excise Minister stated.
According to the policy, no new OFF, CL, OS shops will be allowed to open in the State during the three year. No new ON shops will be allowed to open in rural areas, only 3-wheeler and above hotels and clubs will be allowed to open bars.
In a major decision, the State Government said “No excise shops will be allowed near Shri Jagannath Temple and Grand Road in Puri to promote religious and cultural sentiments.” Along with this, home delivery of liquor will also not be allowed in the area.
Out-Still (OS) Manufacturing units have been directed to be modernized, equipped with advanced packaging and quality control equipment. FSSAI certification and pollution control rules will be enforced for them. Incentives will also be given to units that complete modernization within the stipulated time frame.
The government has also decided to introduce a Track & Trace system to track each bottle from production to sale. All manufacturing units and retail outlets will be kept under CCTV surveillance and this will be linked to the Excise Commissioner’s office and the concerned district offices.
The Excise Chemical Laboratories of the State will be improved and upgraded with modern equipment and trained personnel, as per the Policy.
