The state government has decided to create 1,223 new posts in the excise department. This will include 744 regular and 479 supervisory posts
In a move to ease the cash crunch that the state is facing, the Maharashtra government has decided to increase the excise duty of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) from three times to 4.5 times of the declared manufacturing cost, the reports noted.
In addition, the state cabinet decided to hike the duty on country liquor to Rs 205 per proof litre from Rs 180. The reports highlighted that the state is expected to earn an additional income of Rs 14,000 crore annually.
Maharashtra has revised the minimum retail prices for 180 millilitre (ML) bottles as country liquor will now cost Rs 80. Maharashtra-made liquor (MML) will cost Rs 148, and the prices of IMFL will rise to Rs 205. Premium foreign liquor will cost Rs 260. The reports noted that the state has introduced a new category of grain-based MML, to be produced by local manufacturers but new registrations will be required.
In addition to this, the government has decided to create 1,223 new posts in the excise department. This will include 744 regular and 479 supervisory posts. The reports mentioned that the bill will be tabled in the state legislature’s upcoming session. The cabinet has arrived at these decisions after a study of best practices in other states, involving excise duty structures, tax collections as well as licensing, the reports noted.
