Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday asked the MVA Government “not to get caught up in moral issues” and open liquor shops across States so as to generate revenue for its near-empty coffers at a time when the State is passing through coronavirus-triggered crisis.
Making a strong case for the opening of liquor shops in the State, Raj said: “ The police and health care staff are not getting PPE kits, free meal service for the people and other necessary requirements are not being met with. The State Government is struggling against all odds and with very limited resources”.
“Keeping this dismal scenario in mind, it is imperative that the revenue generated from the sale of liquor will begin the required inflow process, Our State is in a crisis and this is very much needed,” the MNS chief said.
Stressing on the quantum and importance of excise duty, Raj said: “ “The excise duty generated for the State via liquor amounts to Rs 41.66 crore daily, or Rs 1,250 crores monthly and Rs 14,000 crore yearly”.
The MNS chief said that keeping in mind the lockdown phase of 35 days till now and the extensions that might happen, the loss of revenue from this sector could be calculated till now and also the future losses that might happen in future.
“It’s not that there was a liquor ban in our State and we are asking to remove that. Prior to lockdown, the wine shops were open. The state government should not try to get caught up in some moral issues at such a crucial time and take the necessary decision” Raj said.
Raj’s statement came a couple days after State Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that there should be no problems in permitting liquor shops provided they follow social distancing norms
“Apart from opening wine shops, the other essential commodity services like vegetables, fruits, milk, bakery, general stores need to start functioning,” Raj said.
Raj said that the issue that he had flagged did not pertain just to Maharashtra but also all other states should also take note of this fact too, given the uncertainty about the financial assistance that they get from the Centre.
“The need of the hour is to be economically self-reliant and this solution provided needs to be taken seriously,” Raj said.