The Chhattisgarh government has decided to abolish the 9.5% additional excise duty on foreign liquor, leading to a price reduction of approximately Rs 40 to Rs 3,000 per bottle for medium and high-range categories. This decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, aims to make foreign liquor more affordable and reduce smuggling from other states. The cabinet also approved the Chhattisgarh Excise Policy for 2025-26, allowing the continuation of 674 liquor shops. Additionally, an MoU will be signed with Vyakti Vikas Kendra India for rural livelihood generation and welfare.
Raipur:
The price of foreign liquor in Chhattisgarh is expected to decrease following the state government’s decision to eliminate the ‘additional excise duty’ of 9.5 percent that was applied, according to an official statement.
This change will lead to a reduction in retail prices of foreign liquor, especially in the medium and high-range categories, by around Rs 40 to Rs 3,000 per bottle, the official mentioned.
The resolution was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday evening, as stated by the official.
“The cabinet has approved the Chhattisgarh Excise Policy for the financial year 2025-26. Under the new policy, the 674 liquor shops will remain operational in the upcoming financial year, with premium shops functioning based on demand,” the public relations department official elaborated.
“The current rates for country liquor will continue to be effective. The wholesale procurement and distribution of foreign liquor will be overseen by Chhattisgarh State Beverages Corporation Limited. The infrastructure development fee on liquor will remain the same, while the ‘additional excise duty’ of 9.5% on retail foreign liquor will be removed in the next financial year,” he noted.
This decision is anticipated to yield two significant benefits: making foreign liquor more affordable in Chhattisgarh and reducing the smuggling of liquor from neighboring states, the official indicated.
“The government believes that uniform liquor prices will eliminate the motivation for illegal imports. This initiative will not only enhance the state’s revenue but also promote market stability,” the official added.
In another significant development, the cabinet has empowered the state Good Governance and Convergence Department to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (The Art of Living) aimed at generating livelihoods and improving the welfare of rural areas in Chhattisgarh, the official concluded.
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