Telangana Excise Revenue Growth Slows Under Congress Government, Minister Reports
Hyderabad: Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao presented a detailed analysis of excise revenue trends in the Telangana Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, highlighting a significant slowdown in growth following the change in government. The minister disclosed that during the ten-year tenure of the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government, excise revenue experienced a sharp and substantial increase.
Revenue Figures Show Dramatic BRS-Era Growth
According to the minister's statement, excise revenue stood at an impressive Rs 10,012 crore during the 2014–2015 fiscal year. This figure skyrocketed to Rs 34,869 crore by the 2023–2024 fiscal year, marking the conclusion of the BRS government's term. Notably, in that final year alone, revenue surged by Rs 2,762 crore, representing a remarkable 27.6% annual increase.
Post-BRS, the growth trajectory has notably decelerated. After the Congress party formed the government, excise department revenue for the 2024–2025 fiscal year was recorded at Rs 34,603 crore. For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, up to February 26, revenue reached only Rs 35,959 crore. On average, the annual increase during this Congress-administered period has been a mere Rs 1,849 crore, significantly lower than the previous administration's performance.
Clarifications on Revenue Sources and Enforcement Efforts
Minister Rao further clarified that a substantial portion of the recent revenue increase, approximately Rs 2,900 crore, was generated through the tendering process for wine shops in Telangana during the 2025–2027 cycle. He emphasized that the excise department is actively implementing stringent measures to curb the production and distribution of illicit liquor across the state.
Enforcement statistics reveal a marked increase in regulatory actions. While 11,867 cases were registered in the past, the current administration has registered 18,500 cases, reflecting a 56% increase. Additionally, continuous surveillance is being maintained over illegal "belt shops." Previously, 4,171 cases were registered against such establishments, but under the Congress government, 5,184 cases have been registered, indicating a 24% rise in enforcement activity.
Assembly Discussions and Future Initiatives
The minister also informed the assembly that a comprehensive study will be conducted on the issue of ‘Ippa Sara,’ a traditional liquor made from Mahua flowers, to assess its regulation and impact. Earlier during the session, senior BRS leader T Harish Rao questioned how the Congress government plans to achieve the ambitious target of Rs 46,941 crore projected in the budget for the ensuing fiscal year.
The assembly on Wednesday took up the voting of demands for grants for the 2026-27 budget across several key departments, including:
- Agriculture, Marketing, and Co-operation
- Handlooms, Textiles, Excise, Tourism, Culture, and Archaeology
- SC and ST Welfare
- Animal Husbandry and Fisheries
- Public Enterprises and Minority Welfare
Replies to the demands were provided by the ministers holding the respective portfolios.
Walkout Over Crop Loan Waiver Dispute
In a related development, BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao, accompanied by his party members, staged a walkout before the House granted the demands. Rao stated that the protest was directed against Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao's claim that the crop loan waiver had been fully completed. The BRS leader asserted that numerous farmers across the state are still awaiting the benefit, highlighting ongoing grievances in the agricultural sector.
