EXCISE

In order to check trading of illicit liquor and generate more revenue to the State. Government have evolved a policy through which manufacturing, distillation, trading in liquor are canalized under strict vigil of the State, which has helped in generating considerable resources without compromising with the social values.

Considering the changing situation, Orissa Excise Bill, 2008 has been passed by the Orissa Legislative Assembly in its 14^th Session of the 13^th Assembly. The Bill so passed intends to provide for a comprehensive law relating to alcoholic liquor and other intoxicants in the State of Orissa by making adequate provisions for punishment of the offenders and to make provisions for matters incidental thereto by replacing the Bihar and Orissa Excise Act, 1915. In the new law provisions have been made for establishment of Excise Stations, trial by Special Courts and forfeiture of property of the bootleggers and liquor mafias. This law has been passed incorporating model excise policy circulated by the Govt. of India and Orissa is considered as the first state to adopt the same. The Orissa Excise Bill, 2008 as passed by the Orissa Legislative Assembly is under process for obtaining the assent of Her Excellency, the President of India.

The monopoly in wholesale trade in India Made Foreign Liquor and Country Spirit has been taken over by the Govt. through Orissa State Beverages Corporation Ltd. since 2001. This has helped in checking illicit liquor trade to a great extent. As a result, the collection of Excise Revenue has been increased substantially. The collection of Excise Revenue during the last five years is given below:-

2004 – 05	–	Rs.306.61 crores
20005 – 06	–	Rs.389.20 crores
2006 – 07	–	Rs.430.12 crores
2007 – 08	–	Rs.524.83 crores
2008 – 09	–	Rs.660.04 crores

        The target for collection of Excise Revenue for the financial year 2009–10 has been fixed at Rs.800.00 crores.

        The Excise Enforcement measures have been strengthened. The District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police have been asked to keep close watch on the suspected illicit distillation centres and spurious liquor. Joint raid have been conducted by Police and Excise Personnel at the district level for better enforcement activities to prevent the manufacture, supply and sale of illicit liquor in the district. Massive raids have been conducted by the Excise Department for destruction of illegal cultivation of Hemp Plant throughout the State.

        For smooth implementation of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme by the Oil manufacturing companies in the State, the Import fee on ethanol has been reduced from Rs.2.00 and fixed at Re.0.25 per BL w.e.f. 28.06.2008.

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