New excise policy to be implemented in Odisha between June 15 and 20, informs Minister Prithviraj Harichandan

The Odisha government is gearing up to introduce a new excise policy in the coming days, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan informed on Friday. Speaking to the media, the minister stated that the new policy is expected to be introduced between June 15 and June 20, aiming to bring reforms in the regulation and control of intoxicants across the state.

The proposed excise policy will span three years, and the state government is currently in the process of finalizing its framework. 

Team To Visit Andhra Pradesh

As part of the preparation, senior officials from the Excise Department will visit various states to study and evaluate existing policies. A special team, led by department secretaries, is scheduled to travel to Andhra Pradesh shortly to conduct a comparative analysis of the state's excise model.

Minister Harichandan emphasized that the goal is to create a policy tailored to Odisha’s specific socio-economic context, while adopting successful strategies from other states. Following these consultations and field studies, the final version of the policy will be drafted and implemented within the announced timeframe.

In addition to policy development, the state is also preparing to observe ‘Anti-Tobacco Day’ on May 31, as part of its wider efforts to curb substance abuse. Special awareness campaigns will be launched across schools and colleges, targeting young students to educate them about the health hazards of tobacco and other intoxicants.

The minister reiterated the Odisha government's firm commitment to tackle illegal drug usage and trafficking. He assured that the new policy will strengthen enforcement, improve monitoring mechanisms, and promote public awareness, ultimately contributing to a drug-free Odisha.

The proposed policy and upcoming awareness initiatives reflect a broader vision of the Odisha government to prioritize public health, especially among youth, while establishing stronger controls over the sale and distribution of intoxicating substances.