Liquor vends' shifting: Haryana loss likely Rs.1,340 crore

Chandigarh, May 2 (IANS) Haryana is likely to face a loss of Rs.1,340 crore in revenue this year following the shifting of liquor vends along national highways in the state, a senior official said here Friday.

Excise and Taxation Commissioner Sudhir Rajpal said liquor vends along national highways have been removed in the state as per the direction of the Supreme Court.

"This would impact on revenue collection. Out of total 3,500 vends, about 1,300 such liquor vends have been removed. Contractors have been allotted places for two years under the state excise policy. Now they have been asked to shift their places for liquor vends.

"About Rs.2,700 crore was collected as excise tax during last year. This year, loss of about Rs.1,340 crore is expected owing to shifting of liquor vends from highways," Rajpal said at a meeting here.

Excise and taxation minister Kiran Choudhary directed officers to ensure complete ban on illegal sale of liquor on highways.

Two of the busiest highways, National Highway No.1 (NH-1) (Delhi-Ambala) and NH-8 (Delhi-Jaipur) pass through the state.