UP Excise Minister Nitin Agarwal Demands Explanation from 10 Districts for Low Revenue Performance
In a significant development, Uttar Pradesh Excise Minister Nitin Agarwal, on Saturday, called for an explanation from officials in 10 key districts for their inability to achieve the revenue targets set by the department. The minister conducted a crucial review meeting ahead of the upcoming financial year, scrutinizing the performance across all 75 districts in the state.
Districts Under Scrutiny for Underperformance
During the meeting, Agarwal specifically pulled up district excise officers from Kanpur, Agra, Meerut, Bijnor, Lucknow, Bulandshahr, Hathras, Moradabad, Aligarh, and Bareilly. These districts were highlighted for their low collections, prompting the minister to seek detailed justifications for the shortfalls. The review aimed to address gaps and ensure better compliance and efficiency in revenue generation.
Revenue Targets and Achievements
Agarwal emphasized that the excise department has been set an ambitious revenue target of Rs 63,000 crore for the financial year 2025-26. As of February, the department has collected Rs 50,585 crore, which marks a significant increase of Rs 7,756.36 crore compared to the Rs 42,828.57 crore collected in the same period last year. Despite this overall growth, the underperformance in the mentioned districts raised concerns, leading to the minister's direct intervention.
Measures to Boost Revenue and Curb Illicit Activities
To enhance revenue collection, the minister proposed granting an additional one-week period for the renewal of licenses for liquor and bhang shops. This extension is intended to facilitate smoother operations and reduce administrative bottlenecks. Furthermore, Agarwal directed officials to implement a complete ban on illicit liquor entering Uttar Pradesh from neighboring states. District enforcement teams have been instructed to carry out continuous monitoring and crackdowns on unauthorized activities.
In February alone, the department seized 2,76,438 liters of illicit liquor and initiated legal action against individuals involved in these unlawful operations. This aggressive stance is part of a broader strategy to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with state regulations.
Disciplinary Action and Inquiries
In a related incident, the district excise officer of Bijnor faced a warning and an inquiry was ordered after an industry stakeholder complained to the state government about his inappropriate behavior. This move underscores the minister's commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within the department, ensuring that officials adhere to ethical standards while executing their duties.
The review meeting and subsequent actions reflect the Uttar Pradesh government's focused efforts to optimize excise revenue, combat illegal trade, and uphold transparency in administrative processes. As the financial year progresses, these measures are expected to drive improved performance across all districts, contributing to the state's economic goals.
