Ranchi: State excise minister Yogendra Prasad convened a key meeting with senior officials of the excise department on Tuesday to ensure the effective roll-out of the new excise policy. The meeting primarily focused on streamlining implementation strategies and curbing the ongoing issue of overpriced liquor at retail outlets across the state.The minister emphasised strict enforcement mechanisms to prevent price manipulation and to ensure that consumers are not burdened with inflated costs. He also directed officials to intensify monitoring efforts and strengthen transparency in pricing across licensed retail vendors.“The new excise policy, Jharkhand Excise (Settlement and Operation of Shops for Retail Sale of Liquor) Rules, 2025, will come into effect from September 1. In relation to that, the meeting was convened with the officials of the department to finish all necessary works before the stipulated date so that the policy can be rolled out on the date at any cost,” minister Prasad said.In May, the state cabinet approved the policy, following a proposal from the department’s side. The new scheme will pave the way for the retail sale of liquor in Jharkhand by private players.The minister added that the excise sleuths were directed to take strict action against shopkeepers who were found selling overpriced liquor. “Many times, we get complaints of liquor shops charging Rs 10-20 more than the actual prices. Department officials were directed to take necessary action if anyone was found exercising such illegal activities,” he added.Excise sleuths registered cases against seven persons in Ranchi for selling liquor at higher prices. Meanwhile, excise sleuths are carrying out surprise inspections at liquor shops to curb the menace of overpricing. Sources at the department said that the district administration would also depute a magistrate for each of the six circles in Ranchi district for inspection of liquor shops.
