New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir is reaping the benefits of the new liquor excise policy. Liquor has become cheaper in the state after the new excise policy as prices are reduced by almost 10% from last year. The prices of some brands have also been released by the state government.

As per the new guidelines of the Excise Department, every shopkeeper will have to pay the amount on the 1st day of the month under the Minimum Guaranteed Revenue (MGR). This is to be divided by MGR as 12 installments and deposit to them. It includes 80% of additional assessment duty, 15% of assessment duty, additional license fees charge and one percent of other charges.

According to sources, only 78 shops out of 228 shops in the state have been issued licenses so far. That is, only 34% of licenses have been issued by now.

J&K liquor earnings see exponential rise

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has logged a whopping rise in its earnings from licence auction of liquor vends. Owing to the new liquor policy, the earnings have jumped almost 14 fold – from Rs 10 crore to Rs 140 crores.

Due to the Covid-19 crisis, liquor shops were closed. After govt order, the shops will open for three days a week from Monday.

Militancy in 1990s ruined valley’s wine business

Liquor business in Jammu and Kashmir added about Rs 1,300 crore the state’s exchequer till now. And, its flourishing wine business got ruined after the advent of militancy & terrorism in valley in 1990s. Various terror outfits including Hizbul Mujahideen and JKLF persuaded people for ban on sale & supply of liquor on religious grounds.