CM Hemant Soren orders crackdown on illegal liquor trade, fast-tracks excise recruitment in Jharkhand
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, July 24: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday directed officials to intensify the crackdown on the…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, July 24: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday directed officials to intensify the crackdown on the illegal manufacture, storage, transportation and smuggling of liquor across the state, stressing that the illicit trade not only causes revenue loss but also poses a serious threat to public health.
Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Excise and Prohibition Department at the Jharkhand Mantralaya, the Chief Minister reviewed the department’s performance during the 2025-26 financial year and outlined priorities for the current fiscal.
Excise and Prohibition Minister Yogendra Prasad and senior officials attended the meeting.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the department collected ₹4,013.53 crore in revenue during the 2025-26 financial year, surpassing the target of ₹3,885.11 crore.
For the 2026-27 financial year, the department has set a revenue target of ₹4,500 crore. By mid-July 2026, revenue collection had reached ₹1,376 crore, or 30.57% of the annual target.
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Strict action against illegal liquor operations
The Chief Minister instructed officials to take stringent action against those involved in the illegal manufacture, transport, sale and smuggling of liquor.
He said illegal liquor production adversely affects government revenue and endangers consumers’ lives, making swift and effective enforcement essential.
Recruitment to fill vacant posts
Reviewing vacancies in the Excise and Prohibition Department, Hemant Soren directed officials to expedite recruitment through the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
He said adequate manpower is crucial for the effective implementation of departmental schemes and directed officials to complete the recruitment process in a transparent and time-bound manner.
Officials informed the meeting that the process of issuing appointment letters to 583 excise constables, selected through the JSSC, is in its final stage.
GPS tracking for liquor transport vehicles
The Chief Minister directed the department to install GPS tracking systems and digital (DG) locks on liquor transport vehicles to enable real-time monitoring of vehicle movement, routes, stoppages and destinations.
He said the use of modern technology would improve transparency and help curb illegal diversion and smuggling of liquor.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to undertake a comprehensive study of spirit consumption in the state, including its industrial use and future demand, to formulate a long-term revenue strategy.
Liquor manufacturing policy to be framed
Hemant Soren instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive liquor manufacturing policy for the state and also formulate a separate policy for regulating industrial alcohol.
He also reviewed the label registration process and directed officials to streamline the system to ensure the availability of popular liquor brands.
Priority for tribal communities in warehouse construction
The Chief Minister directed the department to give priority to the local tribal community during the construction of excise warehouses across various districts.
He said the initiative would create employment opportunities while strengthening the rural economy.
He also asked officials to expand the department’s activities by adopting a public-oriented and development-focused approach and making greater use of modern technology in inspections and monitoring.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Excise and Prohibition, Amitabh Kaushal, Excise Commissioner Sandeep Singh, Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited (JSBCL) Managing Director Neeraj Kumar Singh, Joint Excise Commissioner Gajendra Kumar Singh, and other senior officials.
