Shillong, May 5: The State Cabinet has approved amendments to excise and distillery rules to raise the special duty on liquor imported from outside the state.
“The state cabinet has approved the amendment of Rule 375 of the Assam Excise Rules, 1945 as adopted by Meghalaya for levy of special duty on bottles of origin, and amendment of Rule 41(a) of the Assam Distillery Rules, 1945 as adopted and amended by Meghalaya,” Cabinet Minister and MDA spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla told reporters after the cabinet meeting.
The revision increases the import duty on alcohol brought into the state from Rs 25 to Rs 30 per bulk litre.
“This is the revision of the import of alcohol from outside the state. Usually it was Rs 25 per bulk litre and now we have increased it to Rs 30 per bulk litre,” he said.
On revenue implications, Shylla said the move is aimed at improving the state’s collections. “Definitely, there will be an increase in the revenue generation. The exercise is to improve the revenue generation of the state,” he said.
Asked if the hike would impact retail prices, he said consumers should not be affected.
“It should not affect the individual consumer,” Shylla added.
