Odisha Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan to review the implementation of the state’s new excise policy.
The government aims to enforce the new excise framework effectively while curbing the illegal liquor and narcotics trade. Minister Harichandan emphasised that opening new liquor shops or increasing alcohol sales is not the government’s priority. Instead, the administration plans to introduce an additional de-addiction cess to discourage alcohol consumption and promote awareness.
The meeting discussed replacing the existing Minimum Guaranteed Quantity (MGQ) system with the Minimum Guaranteed Excise Revenue (MGER) model. The new system will reduce pressure on dealers to meet sales targets and ensure a more balanced approach to revenue collection.
Harichandan highlighted that the illegal liquor trade not only causes health hazards but also leads to significant revenue loss. He directed officials to strengthen enforcement and streamline the e-lottery process for liquor shop allotments to ensure transparency.
The minister expressed confidence that reforms in the excise system will help curb illegal trade and boost state revenue. Senior officials, including Principal Secretary R.S. Gopalan, Excise Commissioner P. Anvesha Reddy, Additional Secretary Debasish Pattnaik, and NIC representatives, attended the meeting.
