Decline in excise revenue

By our Reporter

SHILLONG, MAR 17: Excise revenue in Meghalaya has witnessed a decline due to the NGT ban on coal mining and closing down of wine shops along the national and state highways.

“There has been a drop in the revenue collection because of the ban on coal mining during 2014-15 as many labourers have left the coal fields,” Excise minister Zenith Sangma told the Assembly.

Sangma said the amendment of the Excise Rules and in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court has further resulted in revenue loss.

He said that the number of wine shops have come down to only 296 from a total of 581 located across the state.

“During 2016-17 (up to January) the revenue collection was Rs 127 crore as against Rs 132 crore collected during 2015-16 which is a difference of Rs 5 crore,” he said.

The revenue collected during 2013-14 was Rs 1,62,66,20,757 and in 2014-15 it was Rs 1,51,13,53,697.

Sangma, however, said that the present policy of the  government is to regulate the opening and running of wine stores and bars as per provisions of the Meghalaya Excise Act, Meghalaya Excise Rules and in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court of India.

He said the state government was also taking steps to legalize country made liquor in the state.