Bhopal: In the Madhya Pradesh cabinet meeting today, a big decision has been taken to rein in the illegal liquor business. An amendment proposal has been brought in the Excise Law regarding the manufacture and sale of poisonous or non-standard liquor.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan also made it clear that Madhya Pradesh Government is going to make changes through the Excise Amendment Bill, 2021. The cabinet approved a penalty of fine of Rs 50 lakhs against those doing the business of illegal liquor. Further, this Bill will be presented in the upcoming session of the Legislative Assembly, Madhya Pradesh.
According to the proposal of the Commercial Tax Department, the Excise Act 1915 will be made stricter. Selling spurious liquor will attract life imprisonment as against the current law there is a provision for 10 years of imprisonment.
The government has also decided to install QR code holograms on liquor bottles with more than 20 security standards. This shall prevent smuggling of liquor and its illegal business. The chief minister made it clear that every effort would be made in a concerted manner to stop import of illicit liquor from neighboring states.
Sources reveal that 53 people have died in the last 15 months due to the spurious liquor in the state. Recently, Madhya Pradesh Police arrested three people in connection with the racket that sold spurious liquor in branded whiskey bottles. 17 people died after consuming the alcohol.