Strict Action to Be Taken Against Illegal Liquor Production, Transport, and Sale: CM Sai

Raipur, January 3

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai directed excise department officials to take strict action in coordination with the police department to control the illegal production, possession, transport, and sale of liquor in the state. He emphasized keeping the excise check posts in border districts fully operational. Regular and intensive inspections of distilleries, bottling units, hotels, bars, and clubs within the state were also mandated.

The directives were issued during a review meeting of the excise department’s activities at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan today.

The Chief Minister instructed expeditious action on applications received for setting up new bottling units for country-made liquor and encouraged manufacturers outside Chhattisgarh to establish their own production units in the state. This initiative aims to create a conducive environment for businesses while providing local employment opportunities. He also directed immediate action to fill vacant positions in the excise department.

To provide better income opportunities for Mahua collectors from forest communities, the Chief Minister instructed the study of Mahua policies from other states. He praised the implementation of Aadhaar-enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) for staff working in liquor shops. Furthermore, the “Manpasand App,” designed to inform consumers about the availability of their preferred liquor brands, was commended, with instructions to maintain user data confidentiality and respond promptly to suggestions and complaints received through the app.

Additional instructions included ensuring cleanliness in liquor shops, proper display of liquor brands and labels, and maintaining updated registers as per regulations.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretaries Shri Mukesh Kumar Bansal, Shri Rahul Bhagat, Shri P. Dayanand, and Shri Basavaraju S., Secretary-cum-Commissioner of Excise Ms. R. Sangeeta, Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Beverages Corporation and Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited Shri Shyam Lal Dhawade, Special Secretary (Excise) Shri Devendra Singh Bhardwaj, and other senior officials.