look news india
Liquor prices: Liquor has become expensive in Himachal Pradesh. New excise policy has been implemented in the state. The government has now fixed the minimum support price (MSP) on liquor bottles. However, there is a possibility of arbitrary prices of liquor being charged under the new policy. In such a situation, questions are also being raised on the new liquor policy.
According to officials of the Excise Department of Himachal Pradesh, a target of revenue collection of about Rs 2800 crore has been set this year. Earlier, during the year 2023-24, the government had received a revenue of Rs 2,600 crore and the government had earned an additional income of Rs 500 crore.
According to the new rate list, the price of Royal Stag, commonly sold in Himachal, has now reached around Rs 800. At the same time, the price of Old Monk Rum has increased to Rs 700. Similarly, Black Dog has also become MSP. It has been fixed at Rs 1,254, 100 Piper at Rs 1,228, Blender Pride at Rs 856, 8 PM Premium Black at Rs 551 and Royal Challenge at Rs 560. However, all prices will be charged above the MSP. The special thing is that in an area where there is only one owner and all the contracts remain with him, arbitrary prices will be charged there.
Similarly, the prices of beer have also increased. Now beer will be available between Rs 200 to 250 in Himachal Pradesh. Earlier in 2023-4, the price of beer was between Rs 150 to Rs 200. It is noteworthy that along with liquor bottles, the government is also collecting cess on milk. Rs 10 and ETD Development Fund Rs 1.5. There are 2200 liquor shops in the state.
Operators will charge arbitrary prices
Liquor in the state will be sold at MSP and the government will decide the minimum price, but it will depend on the operators how much money they will save. Looting will also increase due to the new policy. Prices will increase by about 10 to 30 percent. Let us tell you that liquor is sold in a similar manner in Himachal's neighboring states Punjab and Chandigarh. However, in places where the number of liquor shops is high. At the same time, prices may also reduce due to competition.
BJP raised questions
BJP has launched a scathing attack on the liquor policy of Himachal Pradesh government. BJP state media in-charge Karan Nanda alleged that the present Congress government has made major changes in the liquor policy to give protection to the mafia. Now the liquor policy will be known as mafia policy. With this policy, liquor contractors will no longer be required to issue invoices, no matter what price they charge for a liquor bottle. But Himachal government will not get any income. He alleged that this is a policy that protects the mafia.