BHOPAL: Ministers of Kamal Nath cabinet came out in open to oppose the proposed new excise policy. It was after the opposition by ministers that only couple of revenue raising proposals was approved by the cabinet. The cash strapped state government approved the new excise policy under which proposal to hike 20% renewal fee for existing liquor shops was given nod. This provision is applicable to both -IMFL and country made liquor shops.
At present liquor shop owners pay 15% hike for renewal of the annual contract. Shops that do not find this preposition feasible will go for open auction.
However, provision of selling of IMFL at all liquor shops was turned down by ministers saying that it will send wrong message about the government –specially before Lok Sabha elections. Similarly, proposal of draught beer being openly available at all shops was turned down. Label registration process will be made online under ‘Ease of doing business’ decided the cabinet.
The registration will remain effective for two years. Bars run in hotels owned by government, three star hotels and heritage hotels will be renewed automatically for the year 2019-20 without renewal process. Under the new excise policy, bar license for FL 3 hotels has been hiked by 10% and for other clubs and resorts by 25%.
In another important decision, supplementary nutrition food supply by joint venture companies has been given six months extension. State government had decided to supply nutritious food to aganwadis across the state through self-help groups. State government reasoned that its manufacturing plant is not ready yet. It was decided in the cabinet meeting that Raghogarh Sugar Mill will be revived with government aid of Rs 8.50 crores. About Rs 167 crores have been sanctioned for upgradation of Indore Central Jail. Cabinet also approved extension of the members of water body conservation bodies by six months.
