Booze gross sales in J&Ok buck ban buzz – The Instances of India

SRINAGAR: A liquor paradox is taking part in out in J&Ok as gross sales are surging in opposition to the grain of political events pushing for prohibition, pushed by rising worries over alcohol abuse within the area.
Govt’s financial survey report offered within the meeting final week tasks a 4% improve in excise income, anticipated to succeed in Rs 2,000 crore in 2024-25. The rise is attributed to coverage modifications, together with strengthened monitoring mechanisms, clear auctions for liquor vends, and an overhauled excise framework.
Nevertheless, on the coronary heart of the political debate is the demand for prohibition. Opposition PDP has led the cost, with MLA Fayaz Ahmad Mir submitting a invoice to ban the “commercial, sale, buy, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic drinks” within the area.
CM Omar Abdullah’s NC adopted go well with, as did impartial legislator Sheikh Khurshid Ahmad.
BJP has additionally voiced help, having lengthy advocated for liquor restrictions. In Jammu, former J&Ok BJP president Ravinder Raina had earlier staged protests in opposition to alcohol gross sales.
PDP chief and ex-CM Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija launched a signature marketing campaign final week to rally public backing, vowing to take it to each constituency in Kashmir. “We wish J&Ok to be declared a dry state like Gujarat and Bihar,” Iltija mentioned. “J&Ok known as the land of rishis and friends (Sufi saints). Now we have our personal sensitivities, tradition, and customs. That ought to be revered.”
Whereas political tempers rise, the brand new excise coverage launched on Feb 15 takes a twin strategy. It acknowledges the “dangerous results of alcohol consumption and drug abuse” but additionally goals to offer a “selection of liquor manufacturers and locations for consumption”. The coverage seeks to develop the liquor trade, promote native manufacturing, and create job alternatives.
Plans are afoot to arrange liquor retailers at revenue-generating vacationer places, notably in govt-owned services. The coverage bans the import of IMFL manufacturers priced at Rs 600 or under a bottle.
Former finance minister Haseeb Drabu, who opposed a liquor ban in 2016 on grounds of private selection fairly than income loss, mentioned the talk has developed. As an alternative of a blanket ban, he prompt a phased strategy.
“One possibility might be to ban it solely within the Valley to begin with. That means, income would even be protected as the majority of it comes from Jammu. The flip aspect of this is able to be bootlegging, particularly in a tourist-driven state,” Drabu mentioned.