Describing the new excise policy for 2012-13 as an old wine in a new bottle, the YSR Congress party has said that reverting to fixed license fee model from the existing auction system is a retrogatory step which would strengthen the liquor syndicates instead of curbing them.
“The policy has many chinks as it does not speak as to how it would get the revenue it has mentioned in the annual budget. It does not mention the steps it would take to check the MRP nor does it speak of the penal action for belt shops and selling beyond the stipulated timing,” YSRC party spokesperson Janak Prasad told reporters here on Tuesday.
Selling liquor through retailed outlets selected through draw of lots will encourage liquor syndicates to further consolidate its position, he said.
Congress has toed the TDP line by going back to the old system and hiking license fees which will help the syndicates to grow faster and stronger, he said adding that before drafting the excise policy the concerned persons went on a study tour to four states but the Government did not convene an all-party meeting nor did it consult any voluntary organistion that has been actively involved in the anti-arrack movement, he said.
The State has been concentrating more on excise than on prohibition and has taken no steps on how to close down the belt shops and the out-lets selling liquor beyond the stipulated timings which are resulting in major road accidents, he said.
The ACB raids had not yielded the desired results, while small time offenders were booked, the big fish was let off the hook. The liquor mafia seems to be untouched as the ministers and legislators involved were not named. Though the name of PCC President Botsa Satyanarayana was prominently mentioned no action was initiated and a deal was fixed to safeguard him, he said.
The excise policy aims at getting maximum money in the minimum time possible and gives ample room for manipulation, he said. (INN)