Excise secretary Amir Shubhani said this could be possible because of steps taken by the department to enhance rate of duty structure, increasing profit margin of Bihar State Beeverages Corporation Ltd and increasing the beer price from Rs 5 to Rs 10 per bottle. The increase in rates has become applicable from this month, he said.

He said the rates have been hiked for two reasons. First, it would discourage people to go in for liquor and, second, the department would generate additional revenue for the state’s exchequer. For the last three consecutive year, the excise department has been collecting 40 per cent of the state’s total revenue which is certainly highest and persistent. No other department could achieve this feat, he added.

He said the duty on beer had been increased from Rs 5 to Rs 10 as per alcohol percentage content. This besides, the state would now charge Rs 1 per ton for storing molasses which was earlier being charged at flat rate of Rs 500 per year irrespective of its weight. Against the profit margin of Beeverages Corporation Ltd has been increased from 5 per cent to 10 per cent. By way of this increase, the corporation would be able to mop up an additional revenue of Rs 20 lakh.

Source: Times Of India Excise dept targets Rs 100cr addl revenue