Liquor vends in Punjab may be opened in green zones

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 15

With the state losing nearly Rs 520 crore revenue per month on account of no liquor sale, a top government functionary has confirmed that the opening of vends, especially in areas not affected by the pandemic, was on the cards.

A decision in this regard will be taken during a meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on fiscal management, scheduled for Thursday, where financial measures to reduce the economic cost of Covid are to be discussed.

The official said the opening of liquor vends was on the top of the agenda. He, however, added that it would be done in accordance with the Centre’s relaxation in retail businesses that would be announced on April 20.

A senior official in the Excise and Taxation Department said even as there were reports that certain liquor licencees were selling their stock amid the curfew, it would not lead to any loss of revenue. “Our estimate is that it will lead to just 15 per cent of the stock being sold. It is only when the vend replenishes its stock that the state earns excise duty. In case, the Centre allows relaxations in unaffected areas, we are ready to open the liquor vends,” he said.

Meanwhile, officials say the financial position of the state is grim. Revenue generation and cutting down Punjab’s expenditure by almost Rs 1,500 crore can help the state tide over the financial crisis. While revenue generation is being planned through a gradual revival of economic activity and reopening of government services in cities that have had no case of Covid-19, the state also plans to cut down on its expenditure by imposing severe austerity measures.

In low spirits

• Officials say the financial position of the state is grim. Revenue generation and cutting down Punjab’s expenditure by almost Rs1,500 crore can help the state tide over the financial crisis.
• The state also plans to cut down on its expenditure by imposing severe austerity measures.