In a bid to check revenue loss due to illegal trade of liquor in Jharkhand, the State Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to the proposal of operating retail business of foreign liquor by the State Government through Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation limited (JSBCl) from August 1 this year.
Presently, licenses were granted to different retailers for a period of one year, renewable every year, was to expire on March 31. A total of 36 proposals were passed during the meeting.
“Now, the State Government will take over the retail as well as the wholesale business of liquor from August 1. In the mean time, the licenses granted to various parties have been given extension of four months from April 1 to July last to fulfill the statutory requirements for the new arrangement,” said Cabinet Secretary SS Meena.
Presently, 1400 liquor shops are operation all over the State, he said.
He further added that all the norms followed by the liquor shops will be followed by the Corporation and will not open its outlets in the prohibited areas having more than 50 per cent of ST or SC population or any other place.
“The high court order in this regard will also be followed strictly by the corporation,” he said. “Manpower and other necessary infrastructure will be made available for the purpose by the corporation itself,” he added.
“Since statutory requirements and infrastructure for the new arrangement could not be met within one month hence, extension of four months has been given to the license holders,” Meena said.
Meena said that the new arrangement is expected to bring an increase in the revenue by the State Government and will also check illegal trade of business, besides controlling selling of liquor on increased prices.
“Shops will be taken on rent and identification of new people will be requirement based,” said Meena.