In a major policy change the State Cabinet today approved ‘Jharkhand Excise (manufacturing, bottling and storage) Rules -2018’ to abolish Exclusive Privilege in manufacturing, bottling and sale of country liquor opening up the field to private players and make better quality country liquor available to the consumers in the State.
Informing about the decision Excise and Prohibition department Secretary Rahul Sahrma said that under the new rules Exclusive Privilege has been abolished and any number of people can engage in the country liquor business in the State after getting license from the Government. Also, the sachet (pouch) system has been done away with, he added.
“The step has been taken to make available good quality country liquor and curbing production of illegal liquor in the State. Anyone can now open one’s plant after obtaining license and the rates, duty and standard of the product will be determined by the government,” he said.
Sharma further informed that the Cabinet also gave nod to the ‘Jharkhand Excise (Operation and allotment of shops for sale of liquor) Rules 2018’, according to which the retail shops for IMFL will be operated by private parties. “The number of liquor shops at specific sites of the State will be decided as per the revenue potential of the shops. And, licenses will be issued for operation for a period of three years. The allotment of the shops will be done through e lottery system. Also, premium quality liquor will be available in malls, departmental stores,” he said.
The Secretary said that the policy decision has come to tap revenue potential of the State as the per capita revenue of Jharkhand in terms of excise was very low in comparison to other States. He further said that the old rules and orders of the Apex court pertaining to sale and consumption of liquor will be followed by the State.
In another important the decision the Cabinet approved Agriculture department’s proposal to provide seeds for Rabi crops on 90 per cent grant due to delayed monsoon and less rainfall in the cultivation season. The cabinet also gave nod to the proposal of raising DA of State government employees to 148 per cent with effect from July 1, 2018 under 6th Pay Commission.
In another decision for the energy department the Cabinet approved Jharkhand State Solar Rooftop Policy 2018 for five years. It also approved Rs 55.76 crore for setting up of 325 solar standalone systems in 325 villages of the State.
The Cabinet gave nod to set up Regional Development Authorities in Kolhan, Palamu, Santhal Pargana and North Chhotanagpur alongwith including Gumla, Lohardaga, Khunti and Simdega in Ranchi Regional Development Authority.