Arunachal, Assam step up excise cooperation to curb illicit trade, boost revenue
Itanagar, June 17
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday emphasised that close coordination between neighbouring states is crucial for addressing emerging governance challenges and ensuring the effective implementation of laws, policies and regulatory mechanisms.
A ministerial-level meeting between the governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam was held at the Civil Secretariat in Itanagar on Wednesday to discuss matters of mutual interest related to excise administration and explore avenues for enhanced inter-state cooperation.
Chairing the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Mein said that the challenges confronting excise management require coordinated efforts, technological innovation and sustained engagement between neighbouring states.
He noted that collaborative approaches are essential for strengthening enforcement systems, improving regulatory oversight and addressing issues that transcend state boundaries.
Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the deliberations, Mein said that regular dialogue, information-sharing and joint initiatives between the two states would further strengthen governance systems and contribute significantly to the protection of public interest.
Mein, who also holds the portfolios of Finance, Tax, Excise and Narcotics, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, which he said is founded on mutual trust, cooperation and shared aspirations for regional development and prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Assam's Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Excise, Border Protection and Development, Atul Bora, along with senior officials from the Finance and Excise departments of both states.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in key areas such as excise administration, prevention of illicit liquor trade, revenue mobilisation, enforcement mechanisms, intelligence-sharing and capacity-building among departmental personnel.
The two sides also deliberated on various measures for developing mutually beneficial excise policies and strategies aimed at augmenting the states' own revenues through enhanced cooperation, coordinated enforcement action and improved administrative efficiency.
The meeting featured detailed presentations by officials from both states, highlighting ongoing initiatives, operational challenges and potential areas for future collaboration in excise management and regulatory enforcement.
Discussions were also held on developing a structured roadmap for continued engagement through periodic review meetings, institutional coordination mechanisms and joint action on issues of common concern affecting both states.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-state cooperation and fostering a collaborative approach to effectively address shared challenges while promoting transparency, efficiency and accountability in excise administration.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to deepen institutional partnerships, enhance coordination between departments and work collectively towards ensuring efficient, transparent and responsive management of excise-related matters in the larger public interest.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I hope this isn't just a photo-op meeting. We've seen many such pacts between state governments that end up gathering dust. The real challenge is on-ground implementation—especially in remote areas where excise officials are understaffed. Let's see if they actually set up that 'structured roadmap' they're talking about.
This is exactly what inter-state governance should look like. Assam and Arunachal share a long border and historically there have been issues with smuggling of foreign liquor and illegal country-made alcohol. If they can also collaborate on tracking supply chains with technology—like GPS tracking of consignments—it would be a game-changer. Many states are doing this now.
Honestly, as someone from Assam who has seen the damage cheap bootlegged liquor does in rural areas, this is long overdue. The excise departments of both states have been working in silos for far too long. Joint raids and coordinated intelligence-sharing could really curb the supply of spurious liquor that kills dozens every year. Let's hope this isn't just talk.
Interesting to see this level of administrative coordination in the Northeast. In many parts of India, states guard their revenue streams so jealously that they refuse to share data. If Arunachal and Assam can actually set up joint enforcement teams and share excise data in real-time, it could be a model for other states dealing with cross-border smuggling. Hope it works.
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