Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: The Meghalaya government is defending its recent excise reforms, arguing that new measures like the Integrated Excise Management System are vital for transparency and revenue protection. Officials stated that objections from liquor retailers ignore the state's fiscal needs and the broader regulatory landscape found in other parts of the country.
According to the Excise, Registration, Taxation and Stamps Department, the liquor trade must serve public welfare rather than purely commercial interests. The state is adopting digital tracking and inventory management tools, similar to policies already in place in states such as Delhi and Karnataka, to combat counterfeit products and illegal diversion.
The government noted that previous audits identified significant revenue leakages, necessitating stronger oversight of the supply chain. By modernizing these systems, authorities aim to secure tax income that funds public welfare programs and infrastructure development across the state.
Regarding concerns over retail profit margins, the department explained that these adjustments are part of a wider restructuring of the pricing framework. The objective is to balance commercial sustainability for retailers with affordability for consumers while ensuring the state maintains a robust and compliant regulatory environment.
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