Booze sales in J&K buck ban buzz

SRINAGAR: A liquor paradox is taking part in out in J&Ok as sales are surging towards the grain of political events pushing for prohibition, pushed by rising worries over alcohol abuse in the area.
Govt’s financial survey report introduced in the meeting final week tasks a 4% improve in excise income, anticipated to succeed in Rs 2,000 crore in 2024-25. The rise is attributed to coverage modifications, together with strengthened monitoring mechanisms, clear auctions for liquor vends, and an overhauled excise framework.
However, on the coronary heart of the political debate is the demand for prohibition. Opposition PDP has led the cost, with MLA Fayaz Ahmad Mir submitting a invoice to ban the “advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic drinks” in the area.
CM Omar Abdullah’s NC adopted swimsuit, as did unbiased legislator Sheikh Khurshid Ahmad.
BJP has additionally voiced help, having lengthy advocated for liquor restrictions. In Jammu, former J&Ok BJP president Ravinder Raina had earlier staged protests towards alcohol sales.
PDP chief and ex-CM Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija launched a signature marketing campaign final week to rally public backing, vowing to take it to each constituency in Kashmir. “We want J&K to be declared a dry state like Gujarat and Bihar,” Iltija mentioned. “J&K is called the land of rishis and peers (Sufi saints). We have our own sensitivities, culture, and customs. That should be respected.”
While political tempers rise, the brand new excise coverage launched on Feb 15 takes a twin strategy. It acknowledges the “harmful effects of alcohol consumption and drug abuse” but in addition goals to supply a “choice of liquor brands and places for consumption”. The coverage seeks to develop the liquor trade, promote native manufacturing, and create job alternatives.
Plans are afoot to arrange liquor retailers at revenue-generating vacationer areas, notably in govt-owned services. The coverage bans the import of IMFL manufacturers priced at Rs 600 or under a bottle.
Former finance minister Haseeb Drabu, who opposed a liquor ban in 2016 on grounds of non-public alternative moderately than income loss, mentioned the talk has developed. Instead of a blanket ban, he urged a phased strategy.
“One option could be to ban it only in the Valley to start with. That way, revenue would also be protected as the bulk of it comes from Jammu. The flip side of this would be bootlegging, especially in a tourist-driven state,” Drabu mentioned.