Thiruvananthapuram: The government has to collect 267 crore rupees in abkari dues. In April, it was announced in the new liquor policy that arrears would be collected through a one-time settlement scheme with interest concession and capital benefit. It was time for the next liquor policy, but no action was taken. The reason is that the Finance Department has not taken a decision on the file seeking permission.
From 1970 to 2000, the amount is to be paid to the government by the abkaris who auctioned toddy shops. The arrears were made on the grounds that the shops were at a loss and the case was sudden. Out of this, Rs.60 crore is capital. Balance interest and penalty interest.
It was decided to implement the amnesty scheme by waiving interest and giving a fixed percentage of principal. It is also calculated that at least 25 crore rupees can be collected. Although it is more difficult to write off than to collect, that way is adopted in many districts. With the approval of the finance department, the report of the village officer to the collector is made available to the excise. Due to political pressure etc. dues were waived in many places.
‘Drunken streets’ in every district
As a part of the anti-drug campaign, ‘Lahariyaidyedruv’ will be organized in all the districts. Art, sports and cultural events will be held by choosing a road for a distance of regarding one kilometer. The Excise Department has suggested that the program conducted in Kottayam in the first phase should be implemented in other districts in the second phase. But it will not be implemented by the end of the second phase on the 26th. Although the first phase of the anti-drug campaign was successful, the second phase, which is scheduled to end on January 26, might not sustain that activity.
English Summary: Attempt to writeoff 267 crore abkari arrears
