TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The figures may bring some cheer to the Finance Department as the collection of excise revenue is predicted to surge by 18.8 per cent this financial year (FY) compared to the previous fiscal.
Excise Commissioner Menino D’Souza told Herald the Department expects to exceed Rs 253 crore target of revenue collection this FY through various excise duties on alcohol including licenses, NOCs, penalties among others. A total of Rs 213.11 crore was collected during 2012-13.
So far, a total income of Rs 88.03 crore has already been collected.
Interestingly, the monthly earnings have also shown an impressive jump compared to the corresponding month of the preceding year. Records reveal that in September 2013, the excise earnings stood at Rs 15.39 crore, a hike of about 11.77 per cent than in September 2012 wherein Rs 13.79 crore was collected.
The revenue collection escalates annually it seems, as the amount during the 2012-13 saw an increase from Rs 181.12 crore recorded during its preceding fiscal.
Meanwhile, even as the Department lifted moratorium on liquor licenses in August, it has kept a stringent check on any violation. D’Souza said a flying squad headed by a sub-inspector conducts routine checks at all places.
The restriction was imposed after
numerous complaints that liquor selling outlets were illegally allowing on-site drinking and this was also threatening the business of bar & restaurants that hold permission for the same. Nuisances along the lanes and residential complexes were also brought to the fore.
“There has not been any complaint in this regard at present… But if violations take place, we will take action against the offender even though the moratorium has been withdrawn,” he said.
Repeated offenders will face suspension of licenses, the Commissioner warned.
The Department had already started clearing several applications and accepting new ones.
