Odisha’s excise revenue increased by 368 percent in 10 years

The state’s excise revenue has increased by 368 percent in the last 10 years, Excise Minister Ashwini Patra informed the Odisha Assembly on Saturday. 

Replying to a written question by BJP MLA Kusum Tete, Minister Patra said the state collected Rs 1379.91 crore excise revenue in 2011-12. In 2022-23, the collection has gone up to Rs 6455.06 crore, an increase of 368 percent. 

Similarly, the number of liquor shops in the state has also increased in the last 20 years. By 2022-23, there are 509 main liquor shops, 1240 branch shops, 35 military canteens, 46 beer parlour shops, and 673 beer on-shops in Odisha. 

MLA Tete also wanted to know how much money the government has spent on de-addiction and under what yojanas. 

Minister Patra said, every year on June 26 and on other dates as well, the government organizes awareness campaigns to sensitise people about the harmful impact of alcohol consumption. Essay, elocution, marathon, and leaflet distribution activities are being taken up. A total of Rs 6,43,40,000 was allocated through the CSR fund of the Odisha State Beverages Corporation Limited, comprising Rs 2,44,50,000 towards enforcement, Rs 2,12,40,000  towards de-addiction programmes, and Rs 1,86,50,000 towards advertisement, the minister informed.