Odisha Govt Focuses on De-Addiction and Transparency in New Excise Policy

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is prioritising the implementation of its new Excise Policy with a focus on curbing alcohol consumption and strengthening regulatory mechanisms, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Monday.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Conference Hall of Lok Seva Bhavan, the minister clarified that the government does not intend to open new liquor shops or increase alcohol sales. Instead, it plans to introduce an additional “De-addiction Cess” aimed at discouraging alcohol consumption and promoting public awareness against drinking.

As part of the proposed reforms, the existing Minimum Guarantee Quantity (MGQ) system will be abolished and replaced with the MGER system. This move is expected to reduce pressure on liquor dealers to meet fixed sales targets and help curb forced sales practices.

Harichandan highlighted that illegal liquor trade poses significant risks, including loss of life and property, while also leading to revenue leakage for the state. He said the government is taking steps to eliminate illegal trade in narcotics and intoxicants and ensure greater transparency in the allocation of liquor shops through a streamlined e-lottery system.

Expressing confidence in the reforms, the minister said the new policy would strengthen the excise framework, curb illicit trade, and enhance state revenue.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretary of the Excise Department R.S. Gopalan, Excise Commissioner P. Anvesha Reddy, Additional Secretary Debashish Pattnaik, and representatives from the National Informatics Centre (NIC), among others.