26.8 C
Guwahati
Monday, July 7, 2025

Exclusive beer shops to come up in Punjab: FM Harpal Cheema

Minister ascribes the jump in revenue to putting an end to the liquor mafia in the state

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

CHANDIGARH, March 17 (PTI): Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema here on Friday said exclusive beer shops will come up within the municipal areas of the state.

Earlier, beer was being sold at various vending locations where other types of liquor are available, but many people “in modern society do not like to visit there”, Cheema said.

- Advertisement -

Therefore, it has been decided to permit the opening of exclusive beer shops within the municipal areas of the state.

The cabinet approved an excise policy for the financial year 2023–24 on March 10, which aims to collect Rs 9,754 crore.

Speaking to reporters on the completion of one year of the AAP government in the office here, Cheema said there was a 45 percent increase in excise revenue because of the excise policy introduced by the state government for the years 2022–23.

He said the revenue from excise rose to over Rs 9,000 crore in 2022–23 from Rs 6,100 crore in the previous fiscal.

- Advertisement -

He ascribed the jump in revenue to putting an end to the liquor mafia in the state.

Cheema, who also holds the portfolio of excise and taxation, said a total of 6,317 FIRs were registered against those who were selling illicit liquor.

More than 6,000 people who were involved in the illicit liquor trade were arrested, he said.

Over 1.48 lakh liters of illicit liquor and 1.74 lakh liters of “lahan’ (raw material for illicit liquor) were seized, he said.

- Advertisement -

Cheema further said the state has witnessed a 23 percent rise in the collection of goods and services tax.

Responding to a question on the old pension scheme (OPS), he said the state government has already formed two committees — one led by him and another by the chief secretary at the officers’ level — concerning the OPS.

Claiming that the OPS launched by the Congress governments in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh will “fail”, Cheema said, “We will bring a scheme that will not cause any financial loss and employees will get their pension.”

Addressing a question on the opposition’s charge of “political vendetta”, Cheema said if an action was being taken against corrupt leaders, then they would call it political vendetta, and whomever is found involved in such practices will not be spared.

Cheema further slammed the opposition party and said during the Congress regime, debt amounting to Rs 99,505 crore was added.

Despite adding so much debt, the previous regime failed to improve the health and education sectors in the state, he said.

- Advertisement -
The Hills Times
The Hills Timeshttps://thehillstimes.in/
Welcome to The Hills Times, your trusted source for daily news and updates in English from the heart of Assam, India. Since our establishment in 2000, we've been dedicated to providing timely and accurate information to our readers in Diphu and Guwahati. As the first English newspaper in the then undemarcated Karbi Anglong district, we've forged a strong connection with diverse communities and age groups, earning a reputation for being a reliable source of news and insights. In addition to our print edition, we keep pace with the digital age through our website, https://thehillstimes.in, where we diligently update our readers with the latest happenings day by day. Whether it's local events, regional developments, or global news, The Hills Times strives to keep you informed with dedication and integrity. Join us in staying ahead of the curve and exploring the world through our lens.
Latest news
- Advertisement -
Related news
- Advertisement -
Adventure Awaits: 10 Incredible Forests In India You Must Explore At Least Once Top 5 Must-See Scenic Road Trips Near Shillong This Monsoon Season 8 Unmissable Eco-Tourism Destinations in India 10 Dreamy Asian Destinations To Embrace This Monsoon 10 Lesser-Known South Indian Dishes to Savor This Monsoon