Hemant Soren Directs Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Trade, Pushes Tech-Driven Reforms in Excise Department

Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday directed the Excise and Prohibition Department to launch a stringent crackdown on the illegal manufacture, storage, transportation and smuggling of liquor, stressing that such activities not only result in significant revenue losses but also endanger public health.

During a high-level review meeting at the Jharkhand Ministry, the Chief Minister assessed the department's progress, revenue collection and enforcement efforts. Excise and Prohibition Minister Yogendra Prasad and senior officials were present at the meeting.

Soren instructed officials to ensure prompt and strict action against those involved in the illegal liquor trade, saying the state must adopt a firm approach to curb the menace. He also called for wider use of technology in inspections and monitoring to strengthen enforcement.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the department surpassed its revenue target of **Rs 3,885.11 crore** in the 2025-26 financial year by collecting **Rs 4,013.53 crore**. For 2026-27, the state has fixed a revenue target of **Rs 4,500 crore**, of which **Rs 1,376 crore**—around **30.57 per cent** of the annual target—has already been collected by the middle of July.

To improve transparency in liquor transportation, Soren directed the department to equip transport vehicles with **GPS tracking systems and digital locks**, enabling real-time monitoring of vehicle movement and helping prevent diversion and illegal activities.

The Chief Minister also asked officials to undertake a detailed study of spirit consumption in the state, including present and future demand, industrial use and revenue prospects, and prepare a comprehensive roadmap based on the findings.

Highlighting employment opportunities, Soren said local tribal communities should be given preference in the construction of excise department warehouses across Jharkhand to promote livelihoods and strengthen the rural economy.

Reviewing vacancies in the department, the Chief Minister instructed officials to speed up the recruitment process through the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), saying sufficient manpower is essential for effective implementation of departmental responsibilities. Officials informed the meeting that the appointment process for **583 excise constables** selected through JSSC is in its final stage.

Soren also directed officials to frame a dedicated liquor manufacturing policy for the state, including a regulatory framework for industrial alcohol. He further asked the department to simplify the label registration process to improve the availability of recognised liquor brands.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Excise and Prohibition Department Amitabh Kaushal, Excise Commissioner Sandeep Singh, JSBCL Managing Director Neeraj Kumar Singh, Joint Excise Commissioner Gajendra Kumar Singh and other senior officials.