Karnal split into 54 liquor zones under new Excise Policy
The Haryana Excise and Taxation Department has divided Karnal district into 54 excise zones with a reserve price of Rs 580.36 crore, under the state’s revised Excise Policy for the 2025–27 cycle. Alongside, the department has announced a revised bidding schedule and amendments aimed at facilitating greater participation and easing financial obligations for bidders.
Kaithal divided into 32 zones
The Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner (Excise), Kaithal, Naresh Kumar, said the district has been divided into 32 zones with a reserve price of Rs 302.19 crore for the 21-month policy cycle. The quota allocation includes 11,16,660 PL for Country Liquor, 26,22,320 PL for IMFL and 4,585 cases for IFL.
According to Neeraj, Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner (Excise), the e-tendering deadline has been extended by a day — from the earlier May 30 to May 31. The new tender submission window will now open at 9:00 am on May 30 and close at 4:00 pm on May 31. The results will be declared the same day at 5:00 pm.
Karnal’s liquor quota allocation under the new policy includes 1,39,91,660 proof litres (PL) for Country Liquor (desi), 47,14,290 PL for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and 47,665 cases for Imported Foreign Liquor (IFL), said Neeraj.
The policy, revised on May 20, includes major changes to the security deposit structure. “The initial security deposit required on the day of allotment has been lowered from 3% to 2%. The overall security deposit has also been revised from 15% to 11% of the licence fee,” she said.
Of the 11%, 9% will be adjusted in the last two months of the policy period — February and March 2027 (4.5% each). The remaining 2% will be kept as a reserve and refunded by the end of April 2027 after adjusting any outstanding dues.
Quota lifting conditions have also been amended. “Now, bidders can begin lifting quota after depositing just 5% of the bid amount, reduced from the earlier 7%. Full lifting rights will be granted once the revised 11% security is deposited,” Neeraj explained.
She noted that this year's excise cycle spans 21 months — starting June 1, 2025, and ending March 31, 2027 — replacing the conventional 12-month term. “This change aims to offer operational clarity and better financial planning for licensees,” she said.
“These reforms reflect the government’s intent to create a fair, transparent and business-friendly environment for liquor vendors, while safeguarding state revenue and regulatory integrity,” said the Deputy Excise Commissioner.
