Liquor auction begins in Nurpur: Only 4 of 14 units receive bids
The Himachal Pradesh State Tax and Excise Department has commenced the auction process for liquor vends in Nurpur revenue district for the fiscal year 2025-26. The department aimed to auction 14 excise units, comprising 118 contracts, with a reserved price of approximately Rs 101.95 crore.
However, only four liquor contractors submitted bids, collectively amounting to Rs 33 crore, while the remaining 10 units did not receive any bids. Preet Pal Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Revenue District Nurpur, stated that the auction took place under the supervision of Vinay Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kangra. The highest bids were received for the Jassur, Damtal, Gangath and Badukhar excise units.
In contrast to the previous fiscal year (2024-25), when the entire revenue district was auctioned as a single unit for Rs 100 crore, the department has divided it into 14 units this year. Sources indicate that this division may be revised based on bidding trends. Reports suggest that liquor contractors formed alliances to prevent excessive bidding, which resulted in only four participants submitting bids.
The Commissioner of the State Tax and Excise Department is expected to announce the next auction schedule soon to complete the process for the remaining units.
