Guwahati, March 13 (IANS): The Assam government has decided to enhance the license fees to check the consumption of alcohol and prevent the sale of illicit liquor, if any, across the State, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced on Monday.
Presenting the State Budget, Gogoi said that the government has also decided to give all necessary help and support to the State Anti-Drugs and Prohibition Council so that it could continue its efforts to create awareness among the masses against the abuse of drugs and other intoxicating substances in order to have a healthy society.
Assam earned Rs 353.93 crore from excise in the current fiscal till December 2011 and it is expected to reach Rs 480 crore till the end of current fiscal (March 31, 2012).
The excise revenue in the last fiscal was Rs 322.22 crore, he said and added that the revenue collection from State excise in the next financial year (2012-13) has been estimated at Rs 530 crore.
"Excise is a important revenue for State government. However, I have taken due care to check the unhealthy use of alcohol and prevent the sale of illicit liquor even if it means loss of revenue," said Gogoi while adding that various license fees charged on liquor licenses have been enhanced during the current financial year along with enhancement of various pass fees.
