leader of the Opposition Ajay Bhatt has alleged that the State Government has clandestinely struck a deal with the liquor mafias. Mandi council, KMVN and GMVN will sell Foreign liquor (Fl) in the State for one year as per the Government notification regarding excise policy. However, Fl-2 policy will be applicable for the next five years. It means things are fishy with the State Government’s role remaining murky.
The decision amounts to violation of the Mandi Council Act-2011 because it has not been mentioned therein that the Mandi Council will get into the business of liquor.
On one hand, the State Government claims that the Mandi Council will work for the welfare of the farmers by finding suitable markets for their produce to facilitate them get better price. On the other, the Government has allowed them to dabble in liquor selling, he said.
This decision has buttressed our claim that the Government has made a big deal with liquor mafia during general election-2014. They could not go ahead because of the Opposition remaining on their guard. Even they desisted from implementing the policy during Vidhan Sabha session for the same reason. Now they have implemented the policy by constituting a cabinet sub-council. It means the Government has already made a deal with liquor mafia. They have just legalised the deal.
He further alleged that the Government was not concerned to help KMVN and GMVN, which have been passing through bad phases since disaster June-2013.
As per the figure available about excise department, the state revenue is increasing by 20 percent for years. The Government has awarded Fl-2 for five years. As per the notification, the company will pay Rs1.25 crore per annum to the Government and it will continue for next five years. It means the Government would not get extra revenue in case the volumes of their sales mount.