Dehradun: Uttarakhand has been facing significant issues related to liquor, including overpricing and smuggling. On Tuesday, the Uttarakhand Excise Department conducted raids on over 100 liquor shops across the state following complaints of these illegal activities. These raids, ordered by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, aimed to curb overpricing and ensure proper stock and sales records.
According to the instructions, if complaints of maintaining stock register and over-rating are found to be true, the shops will be sealed
This has created panic among the contract operators
On the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the administration and the excise department team conducted raids on more than 100 liquor shops across the state on Tuesday. This surprise campaign has created panic among the contract operators.
Raids were conducted in many districts
For a long time, CM Dhami was receiving complaints of overrating at liquor shops in the state and smuggling of liquor in many areas of the state, on which CM Dhami had directed the administration and excise department to curb it by running a campaign. On which the team is conducting raids on Tuesday in Pithoragarh, Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat, Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Pauri Garhwal districts.
Over-rating and liquor smuggling will not be tolerated in the state
CM Dhami has given strict instructions that if the complaint of over-rating at the shops is found to be true and the stock and sales register is not found to be maintained, then the shops should be sealed. Over-rating and liquor smuggling will not be tolerated in the state. The team has been given time- Instructions have been given to conduct timely campaigns and take strict action against smugglers.
Excise policy was made more transparent
In the month of February this year, the Uttarakhand government has issued Uttarakhand Excise Policy Rules 2024 to prevent adulterated liquor, ensure brand availability and to increase revenue. The government also raised the revenue target from Rs 4000 crore to Rs 4400 crore in comparison to last year.