Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Apr 5: The state government has given a target revenue collection of Rs 29, 000 crore to the excise department for the year 2022-23. Compared to last year, this is an increase by Rs 4, 420 crore. However, the BJP-led government has not hiked the price of liquor in this year’s budget. It has adopted the policy of "Make people drink more liquor, increase revenue of excise."

This policy of the government has given more power to illegal sale of liquor that is carried out in around 85% of villages in the state. Though thousands of cases are registered every year, strict action is not taken against the bootleggers. The officials concerned are taking bribes and closing the registered cases. Thousands of families are destroyed because of alcohol addiction every year.

More than expected revenue has come into the state exchequer via sale of liquor. In 2021-22, the excise department was given a target of Rs 24, 580 crore. The revenue surpassed the target by 1697 crore and the total revenue earned was RS 26, 276 crore. This is a 12.62% increase compared to the previous fiscal.

There are 11, 565 wine shops in Karnataka now. Bengaluru has the highest number of shops comprising 45 percent. The liquor outlets consist of 3,974 wine shops (CL2), 266 clubs (CL4), 78 star hotels (CL6A), 1,636 hotels and lodges, 68 military canteens (CL8), 3,622 bar and restaurants (CL9), 917 MSIL (CL11C) and 610 RVB.

Excise department is issuing licenses to open liquor outlets excepting CL2 and CL 9.