Hologram shielding authentic liquor

The state government has taken the initiative to check the flow of spurious liquor being smuggled into Maharashtra from other states. The State revenue minister, Eknath Khadse, has set a revenue target of Rs 20,000-crore from excise duty on the sale of liquor in the state. 

 

To further strengthen the excise department, the revenue minister has announced the disbursement for 44 new vehicles (for departmental purposes) and an additional 50 vehicles to department officials.

 

Sharing the liquor sales report data for the year 2014-15, Khadse said, “In the last year, revenue generated from the sale of liquor was Rs 11,400-crore, which is third highest across revenue generating departments.”

 

“Apart from loss of revenue, spurious liquor also causes health hazards, which needs to be checked,” proclaimed Khadse.

 

The Maharashtra government has taken the initiative following the steps of Karnataka government. In Karnataka, every liquor bottle or can sold in the market possess a hologram proving its authenticity. Hologram makes it easy for excise officials to detect whether the liquor is genuine or spurious.

 

The state government has instructed manufacturing companies to abide by the new enforcement with immediate effect, allotting a month’s time. “The added cost of packaging per bottle will have to be borne by the companies,” concluded Khadse.