Lucknow: In the ongoing financial year 2024-25, the Excise Department of Uttar Pradesh has recorded excise revenue receipts totaling Rs 22,563.15 crore till the end of September. This marks an increase of Rs 2,336.60 crore compared to the corresponding period last year. Additionally, revenue receipts of Rs 270.66 crore have been updated for October 2024.
Nitin Agarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Excise and Prohibition, provided detailed insights into the department’s performance. In the month of September 2024 alone, revenue receipts of Rs 3,246.15 crore were generated. However, this was short of the targeted Rs 4,100.00 crore for the month. The Minister attributed the shortfall to the adverse impact of floods across several districts, which disrupted the lifting and consumption of liquor, leading to a temporary decline in revenue. He assured that the revenue targets would be met in the coming months as conditions stabilize.
To bolster revenue, the Excise Department is intensifying efforts, particularly focusing on enforcement. In September 2024, a massive enforcement drive resulted in the conduction of 78,462 raids across the state. These operations led to 9,119 cases being registered, and a total of 267,894 liters of illegal liquor was seized. Additionally, 16 vehicles involved in liquor smuggling were confiscated, and 2,004 individuals were arrested, of whom 334 were sent to jail.
The Minister emphasized that the department is collaborating closely with the police and local administration to combat illegal liquor activities. Licensed liquor establishments are being routinely inspected to prevent any unlawful practices. The revenue receipts are also being closely monitored through virtual meetings with department officials on a weekly basis. These efforts have resulted in curbing the sale of illicit liquor and have positively impacted the legal liquor market, leading to improved revenue collections.
Nitin Agarwal remains confident that the Excise Department will achieve its revenue targets by the end of the financial year, as enforcement actions and stricter controls on illegal liquor trade continue.
