Mugdha Das

Assam's liquor revenue rises to ₹4,281 Cr in 2024-25

Digital Desk: Over the previous eight years, Assam's liquor revenue has increased significantly; as of January 2024–2025, the state has collected Rs 4,281 crore. Assam collected Rs 1,433 crore from liquor excise tax and VAT in 2016–17.

Excise Minister Atul Bora responded to a question at the State Legislative Assembly's Question Hour by stating that there are currently 1,060 bars and 1,836 foreign liquor retail locations in the state. There are currently 996 country liquor stores, however, there are no longer any country liquor mahals. The government has granted 711 bar licenses and 150 new licenses for international liquor retail establishments since 2016.

MLA Nandita Das brought up the topic in the House on Tuesday, asking for information on the number of liquor stores, revenue collection, and government initiatives to alleviate social problems associated with alcohol.

Government data indicates that liquor revenue has been steadily rising. Revenue collection increased from Rs 1,433 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 2,606 crore in 2019-20 and then to Rs 4,281 crore as of January of this year. The largest income collection so far was Rs 4,798.73 crore in 2023–2024.