The Punjab cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, granted approval to the excise policy for the fiscal year 2024-25 during a meeting held on Saturday. The policy is anticipated to generate revenue exceeding Rs 10,000 crore from the sale of liquor, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, addressing the media after the meeting, disclosed that the cabinet endorsed the new excise policy, marking the third such policy under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Minister Cheema highlighted that the projected revenue from liquor sales surpasses Rs 10,000 crore, substantial growth from the previous Congress regime's revenue of Rs 6,151 crore.
"For the first time, more than Rs 10,000 crore will be generated from it," Mr Cheema said.
ALSO READ: 'Lok Sabha Polls Road To Oust Corrupt TMC': PM Modi Attacks Mamata Govt At Mega Siliguri Rally
The revised excise policy entails the allocation of liquor vends through a draw of lots, with 232 groups formed, superseding the previous count of 172 groups. Minister Cheema informed that the allotment process will be conducted via a draw of lots, ensuring transparency and fair distribution.
In another major decision, the cabinet approved a measure to permit colonisers to settle pending external development charges (EDC) in three installments over a period of 18 months. The EDC, collected by development authorities, facilitates infrastructure development in proximity to projects. The revised payment schedule will entail interest at a rate of 10 per cent per annum.
Furthermore, the cabinet extended the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme of 2023 for the settlement of tax arrears until June 30, offering relief to traders. The scheme, launched last year, has garnered overwhelming participation from traders.
The scheme has already collected Rs 47.5 crore through 41,814 applications received from the traders, whereas the collections of the OTS 2021 and OTS-2 during the previous government were merely Rs 4.37 crore and Rs 4.93 crore respectively.
In a bid to enhance healthcare infrastructure, the cabinet sanctioned the creation of 1,390 additional posts of medical officers to address the shortage in the state. These posts will be filled through the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences in Faridkot, exempting them from the Punjab Public Service Commission's purview.
Additionally, the cabinet approved the establishment of 20 new posts, including four medical officers and five staff nurses, for the recently upgraded urban community health center in Gurdaspur.
(With agency inputs)