CM directs to take strict action against fake liquor traders

Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday directed the officials to take strict action against people involved in the fake liquor trade.

Chairing a review meeting over the functioning of the Excise and Prohibition Department he said that it was the responsibility of all to protect the people from spurious liquor. He also asked to take stern action against traders involved in the illegal liquor business and asked to undertake weekly inspections in districts where these types of liquor are manufactured. He said that upon receiving information regarding the illegal liquor trade police and administration should also conduct immediate raids.

He said that the excise department was a key sector for revenue generation and asked the officials to make assessments of vacant posts and commence the recruitment process and also asked to come up with plans to increase revenue collection from the department. 

The Chief Minister directed the officials of the department to come up with a toll-free number so that people can register their complaints against the illegal liquor trade and if they are being asked to pay more than the MRP. He said that the display of the rate list is a must outside the liquor shops and asked to strengthen the excise control room. He said that following the complaint of the common people immediate action should be taken.

He said that people from the SC/ST community who want to run the wine shop but are not in a position to obtain licence should be provided licence and asked the officials to make some changes in the rules so that some shops can be reserved for the SC and ST.

Over the lack of security personnel, he asked the officials to take the help of jawans of home guards. Secretary of the department Vinay Kumar Choubey said that till November 2020 a revenue of Rs 1025 crore has been generated. He said that since the liquor shops remained closed between March 22 to May 19 it also resulted in losses. He also detailed on the various plans which the department wants to take going forward. 

Those present on the occasion included Development Commissioner KK Khandelwal and others.