Scenario of Excise policy 2011-12 not clear so far : Chandigarh Wine Merchants Association

Chandigarh, Sanjay Pahwa :

Financial Year 2010-11 is heading towards end leaving only two days, but the scenario of excise policy 2011-12 is not clear so far. As highlighted in the media it is apprehended that that Administration is under the pressure of liquor barons and is thinking to twist the policy as per their requirement, irrespective of taking care of the traders already in the field under diplomatic tactics or lame excuse.

Since the introduction of modern Excise policy in the year 2006-07 there have been revision in all the four ingredients with increase in licence fee, excise duty etc. year to year basis. At this stage Govt. is at liberty again to increase any ingredient i.e. reasonable licencer fees, suitable excise duty and normal Assessment fees.

Addressing the media at a press conference Satyapal Choujar said I would like to steal a few minutes of your valuable time on behalf of Association and will draw your attention that this current Modern policy was adopted by U.T. Chandigarh on the instructions of the Hon’ble Home Minister of India who was none other than the present Administrator of U.T. Chandigarh.

We are not averse to the entry of new players, if Govt. wants to increase the number of vends, application may kindly invited. It neither sounds healthy nor logical to erect a house after demolishing the existing one.

All the metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata & J & K too have licensing systems since generations. No doubt the number of vends have been increased without disturbing the existing one as per the need of situation.

Most ot the News papers has reflected that the Administration is likely to introduce new players in the filed of liquor trade and also is keen to enhance the Govt. revenue. These all points will be explained by the Association one by one for your perusal with the genuine expectation that media who is the guardian of masses will take care of their interest. The excise revenue total combination of four major ingredients are Licence fees, Rate of Excise Duty, Assessment fees and VAT.