Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Excise Minister Nitin Agrawal emphasized the critical role of the state’s Excise Department in achieving Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious $1 trillion economy target during a review meeting at the Commissionerate Camp Office. The minister directed officials to implement strategic measures to meet the revenue goal of ₹63,000 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, requiring a 20% annual growth, up from the current 12%.
Agrawal highlighted progress under the revised excise policy, noting that 98.90% of liquor shops were successfully allocated in the first phase of the e-lottery system, covering 15,906 country liquor shops, 9,341 composite shops, 1,323 cannabis shops, and 430 model shops. He praised the department’s 10% revenue growth in FY 2023-24, with collections rising to ₹45,570.47 crore from ₹41,252.24 crore the previous year.
As of February 2025, the current fiscal year (2024-25) has already recorded ₹42,828.57 crore in revenue, surpassing the previous year’s corresponding period by ₹1,604.41 crore. The minister commended top-performing districts but issued strict directives to underperforming ones to boost collections.
To curb illegal liquor trade, Agrawal ordered intensified enforcement, including 24/7 check posts at border districts and heightened vigilance along Bihar-connected areas. The state will be divided into two zones for enhanced monitoring, with dedicated officers overseeing field actions.
The minister also announced plans to assist new licensees, who constitute 40% of permits for the upcoming fiscal, through orientation sessions to address operational challenges. Senior officials, including Principal Secretary Veena Kumari and Excise Commissioner Dr. Adarsh Singh, attended the meeting, with district officers joining virtually.
