Excise Department turning blind eye to misdeeds

Due to lack of district-wise reviews, the sleuths of the Excise Department are not showing much interest. The State Government has taken a wise-decision in opening of belt shops. However, due to the indifference of the Excise department officials the Non-duty Paid Liquor (NDPL) and Illicitly Distilled Liquor (IDL) are spreading out on the border areas of AP from Telangana and Odisha states.

In Srikakulam district, Sompeta and Palasa, the  NDPL and IDL are spreading out from Odisha. In Parvathipuram areas of Vizianagaram district, Narsapuram division in West Godavari, Rajahmundry division in East Godavari, Mylavaram division in Krishna and Palnadu division in Guntur district.

The  NDPL, IDL and cheap liquor are spreading out rampantly from its border areas of Telangana state. Also, in the Kavali division in Nellore, Pakala and Madanapalli divisions in Chittoor district and also in Kurnool and Anantapur districts, NDPL and IDL are available. The government should take effective steps in the prevention of NDPL and IDL as these have become to alternatives to belt shops.  

In addition, the non-release of station maintenance fund is making the excise officials indifferent and they are planning to go on leave. Even after receiving complaints, they are merely being  passive unless the case is endorsed by ruling party leaders like MLAs,  MLCs and ministers.

Each excise police station needs an amount of Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 every month in the name of diesel and other miscellaneous needs, but government has fixed only Rs 10,000 per month which is very meagre.

Speaking to The Hans India here on Tuesday, Commissioner for Prohibition and Excise, P Laxminarasimham, said, “Station maintenance fund is a budgetary item and we are releasing it regularly. If any one provides information, we will take action in preventing the spread of NDPL and IDL. There is no question of spreading of IDL and NDPL from Telangana.”