Bhubaneswar: State Government is poised to announce its new, comprehensive three-year Excise Policy by June 20, 2025. This was confirmed by Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan today, who stated that the policy is being formulated after an extensive study of excise regulations in other Indian states.
Unlike the previous BJD government’s annual excise policies, and the similar one adopted by the current BJP government last year, this new policy will be a long-term framework, remaining in force for three years. “We have formed several teams to study the excise policies of various states, and these teams have already started their visits,” Shri Harichandan told reporters, explaining the time taken for its formulation.
A key team, led by the Excise Secretary, is scheduled to visit Andhra Pradesh in the coming days. Following this visit, the new policy is expected to be officially notified between June 15 and June 20.
Sources indicate that the new policy aims to adopt “best practices” from across other states. Potential changes may include revised licensing norms, enhanced revenue generation mechanisms, stricter quality control measures, and a more transparent retail distribution system for liquor.
Both industry stakeholders and enforcement authorities are keenly awaiting the notification, which is expected to significantly shape the future of the liquor business in the state.
In related news, Minister Shri Harichandan also announced the launch of a large-scale anti-drug addiction campaign across Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is slated to inaugurate the campaign on World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2025. The initiative will continue until International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2025.
The campaign will be broadly inclusive, engaging students, communities, youth, and women. It will feature a variety of activities such as public awareness drives, street plays, folk art performances, and essay and debate competitions.
The Excise Department will spearhead this campaign in collaboration with other key departments including Mission Shakti, Culture, School and Mass Education, and Higher Education.