The Odisha government is set to implement a new excise policy by the second or third week of June, aiming to revamp alcohol regulation in the state. To inform this policy, three teams of senior officials have been dispatched to study the excise frameworks of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Key Features of the New Policy:
- No New Liquor Shops: The policy will not permit the opening of any new liquor shops, marking a significant shift from previous approaches that emphasized expansion for revenue generation.
- Three-Year Policy Framework: The new policy will remain in force for three years, implementing long-term, consistent strategies rather than piecemeal fixes.
- Focus on Illegal Liquor and Enforcement: The policy will address persistent issues such as illegal liquor production and smuggling, weak enforcement, and outdated penalty systems.
- Strengthening Penalties and Monitoring: The revised framework will plug loopholes in the current policy, strengthen penalties, and enhance monitoring.
- The teams will examine the excise policies and their implementation in the four states, providing insights into successful regulatory practices, enforcement models, and public health safeguards.
- The officials are expected to return by July 7 and 8, after which any pending modifications to the draft policy will be finalized.