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Andhra Dy CM Pawan Kalyan Cracks Down on Liquor Shops Over Inflated Prices

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has directed excise officials to maintain surveillance and take action against liquor shops selling products above the Maximum Retail Price. The order follows complaints received from Kakinada district and other parts of the state about such violations. Kalyan warned that this practice brings a bad name to the government, which is a coalition including his Jana Sena party and the TDP. The state cabinet recently approved a ₹10 per bottle price increase on most liquor, expected to generate significant additional revenue.

Key Points: Andhra Dy CM Acts Against Liquor Overpricing | Pawan Kalyan

  • Action on liquor overpricing
  • MRP violations across state
  • Complaints from Kakinada district
  • Recent ₹10 per bottle price hike
2 min read

Andhra Dy CM Kalyan orders action against liquor sale at inflated prices

Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan orders excise action on shops selling liquor above MRP after complaints from Kakinada and other districts.

"shopkeepers must strictly adhere to the regulations regarding liquor sales - Pawan Kalyan"

Amaravati, Feb 3

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday directed the Excise officials to maintain continuous surveillance on liquor shops and take action against those selling booze at inflated prices.

The Deputy Chief Minister received complaints that liquor is being sold at prices higher than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) across the State.

He asked liquor shops not to bring a bad name to the government by selling liquor at higher prices.

According to a statement from the Deputy Chief Minister, complaints are coming in from Kakinada district and other parts of the State. After examining the complaints, he stated that selling liquor at inflated prices is against the rules. It also brings a bad name to the government.

The Jana Sena leader said shopkeepers must strictly adhere to the regulations regarding liquor sales.

Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena is a partner in Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

Opposition YSR Congress Party has been targeting the coalition government over illegal liquor sales. Its leaders alleged that the government is allowing rampant violations.

According to YSRCP leaders, the shopkeepers are selling liquor at inflated prices.

The State Cabinet last month decided to increase the maximum retail price of all sizes of India-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brands and foreign liquor by ₹10 per bottle, while withdrawing additional retail excise tax imposed on bars.

It was announced that the increase of ₹10 per bottle will not be applicable to cheaper liquor (180 ml bottle costing ₹99), beer, wine and ready-to-drink (RTD) varieties.

The Cabinet also decided to increase the retailer margin by approximately 1 per cent of the MRP on IMFL and FL, including 180 ml IMFL bottles, beer, wine and RTDs.

The price hike is expected to generate approximately ₹1,391 crore in additional annual revenue for the State. At the same time, the withdrawal of additional retail excise tax will reduce the financial burden on bars by about ₹340 crore per year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The government itself just increased prices by ₹10 per bottle last month! Now they are acting against shops for charging more? Feels contradictory. The revenue generation figure of ₹1391 crore says it all. 💰
K
Karthik V
Finally some action. In my town in Kakinada district, the local wine shop has been charging ₹20-30 extra on every bottle for years. Complaints to local excise officials went unheard. Hope this order from the top changes things.
A
Aman W
While controlling prices is good, the bigger issue is the social harm from alcohol. Instead of just focusing on MRP violations, the government should think about better regulation and rehabilitation. Jai Hind.
P
Priya S
The opposition YSRCP's allegations have some weight. If violations are so rampant, where was the surveillance all this time? This seems like a reactive measure after being cornered. Governance should be proactive.
D
David E
Interesting policy mix. Increasing state revenue through a price hike while trying to protect consumers from further inflation at the shop level. The ₹340 crore relief for bars is a significant business-friendly move too.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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