Chandigarh excise mop-up rises by over 19%

The UT Excise and Taxation Department has registered an increase of 19.69% in revenue collection so far in comparison to the corresponding period last year.

According to officials, the excise revenue collection up to November 30 was Rs 693 crore, against Rs 579 crore during the corresponding period last year.

The department has set a target to generate Rs 800 crore in the Excise Policy 2025-26. The department had reduced the reserve price for allotment of liquor vends in the current Excise Policy, as 18 liquor vends remained unsold in the previous financial year. In the current financial year, the number of liquor vends were increased from 95 to 97. The total reserve price of all these vends was fixed at Rs 452.29 crore. Even after increasing the number of vends by two, the reserve price was reduced by Rs 33.83 crore compared to the previous fiscal year.

After several rounds of auctions, five liquor vends remained unsold in the current fiscal year. Officials stated that efforts were on to meet the target of Rs 800 in this financial year.

Meanwhile, the department has sealed 16 liquor vends due to non-payment of the licence fee.

The department has invited suggestions from stakeholders and general public for the formulation of the Excise Policy 2026-27. According to officials, the suggestions or feedback could be submitted latest by December 30.