NewKerala.com

J&K Liquor Auctions Pour Rs 2,152 Crore into Govt Coffers in Two Years

The Jammu and Kashmir government has generated Rs 2,152 crore in revenue from the auction of liquor shops over the last two financial years. The Jammu region contributed the overwhelming majority of this income, accounting for over Rs 1,968 crore, while Kashmir generated about Rs 184 crore. Officials confirmed that no new liquor shop licenses are planned for issuance in the current financial year. The revenue stream marks a significant shift from the early 1990s when terrorism forced the closure of such establishments in the Valley.

Key Points: J&K Earns Rs 2,152 Crore from Liquor Shop Auctions

  • Rs 2,152 crore revenue in two years
  • Jammu region contributes bulk of earnings
  • No new liquor shops planned this year
  • Licenses issued only to J&K domiciles
2 min read

Liquor shop auctions fetch J&K govt Rs 2,152 crore in two years

Jammu and Kashmir government revenue from liquor shop auctions hits Rs 2,152 crore in two years, with Jammu region leading. No new shops planned.

"no new JKEL-2 liquor licences are proposed to be issued during the present financial year - J&K Government"

Jammu, Feb 8

The Jammu and Kashmir government has earned revenue worth Rs 2,152 crore from the auction of liquor shops during the past two financial years, and the Union Territory government does not intend to open new liquor shops during the current financial year.

Official data show that revenue of Rs 1,03,462.49 lakh was generated in 2023-24, while Rs 1,11,816.07 lakh was earned by the government in 2024-25.

The Jammu region contributed the bulk of the revenue, generating Rs 1,96,830.06 lakh over the last two years, while the Kashmir region accounted for Rs 18,448.50 lakh, officials said.

The government further stated that no new JKEL-2 liquor licences are proposed to be issued during the present financial year.

Sharing district-wise details, the government said existing wine shops generated substantial revenue in the last two years.

In Jammu district, revenue stood at Rs 48,350.15 lakh in 2023-24 and increased to Rs 50,913.93 lakh in 2024-25. Udhampur recorded Rs 11,322 lakh in 2023-24 and Rs 12,061.50 lakh in 2024-25, while Kathua generated Rs 10,653 lakh and Rs 11,272 lakh during the same period.

In the Kashmir region, Srinagar reported revenue of Rs 5,489.67 lakh in 2023-24, which rose to Rs 6,557.66 lakh in 2024-25.

Anantnag's revenue increased from Rs 1,403.50 lakh to Rs 1,999.50 lakh, while Baramulla recorded Rs 872.23 lakh in 2023-24 and Rs 1,139.84 lakh in 2024-25.

Officials said all liquor licences are issued strictly to domiciles of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the J&K Excise Act, 1958, and the Excise Policy notified from time to time.

It may be recalled that when separatist violence began in Jammu and Kashmir in the early 1990s, terrorists forced the closure of all cinema halls, wine shops and beauty parlours in the Kashmir Valley.

Hundreds of people earning their livelihood from these establishments were left jobless, and their families had to endure the hardship without being able to speak out against the terrorist diktats.

As the security situation improved over the years, some cinema halls, beauty parlours and wine shops have reopened.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the revenue numbers are impressive, we must also consider the social cost. Alcohol addiction is a serious issue in many parts of India. The government earning this much also means consumption is very high. A balanced approach focusing on public health is needed alongside revenue generation.
A
Arjun K
Good to see the government is not planning to open new shops this year. The existing ones are generating enough. The part about the 1990s is heartbreaking – terrorists forcing closures and destroying livelihoods. The reopening of these shops is a sign of normalcy returning, bit by bit. Jai Hind.
P
Priya S
The revenue from Jammu is almost 10 times that of Kashmir! It clearly reflects the different social and cultural attitudes in the two regions. It's also positive that licenses are strictly for domiciles – that keeps the economic benefits within J&K.
V
Vikram M
As a taxpayer, I appreciate the transparency in sharing district-wise data. But a respectful criticism: the article mentions the revenue helped people who lost jobs in the 90s, but what about the families suffering due to alcohol abuse today? The government's responsibility doesn't end at collecting excise duty.
K
Karthik V
The increase in revenue year-on-year in almost every district is notable. Srinagar's numbers going up is a positive economic indicator. However, the government must ensure strict regulations are followed to prevent any illegal sale or issues. Overall, seems like a well-managed excise policy for now.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50