Odisha Reviews Excise Policy, Plans De‑Addiction Cess and System Reforms
Bhubaneswar, April 13: Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan chaired a high‑level meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan to review the implementation of Odisha’s new excise policy.
The government emphasised that its priority is curbing illegal liquor and narcotics trade, not expanding alcohol sales.
Key proposals include the introduction of a de‑addiction cess to discourage alcohol consumption and raise awareness, alongside replacing the Minimum Guaranteed Quantity (MGQ) system with the Minimum Guaranteed Excise Revenue (MGER) model.
This reform aims to reduce sales pressure on dealers while ensuring balanced revenue collection.
Officials also discussed strengthening enforcement against illegal liquor trade and streamlining the e‑lottery process for liquor shop allotments to enhance transparency.
Senior bureaucrats, including Principal Secretary R.S. Gopalan, Excise Commissioner P. Anvesha Reddy, and Additional Secretary Debasish Pattnaik, attended the meeting.
The reforms are expected to curb illegal trade, reduce health hazards, and boost state revenue, marking a significant shift in Odisha’s excise administration.
