The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a new excise policy, which is set to take effect on October 1, 2024. The policy introduces a private retail system for liquor sales across the state, aiming to improve operational efficiency. One of the key highlights of this policy is that the price of affordable liquor has been capped at ₹99 for a 180 ml bottle, making it more accessible to the public. This move aligns with the state’s efforts to provide affordable, quality liquor while maintaining regulation.
In a significant step, 10% of the state’s 3,736 liquor outlets will be allocated to the toddy-tappers community. These retail licenses will be distributed through an online lottery system to ensure transparency and fairness. The policy also includes plans to open premium liquor stores in select locations, excluding Tirupati.
Apart from excise reforms, the cabinet approved several other key initiatives. These include 33% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in legislative bodies, the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) university, and a skilling academy. The cabinet also decided to revoke a policy that provided village volunteers with a ₹200 payment, due to financial losses.
The cabinet’s decisions extend beyond the excise policy, with approval for renaming Bhogapuram Airport as Alluri Seetharamaraju International Airport. Additionally, the government introduced a ₹100 crore fund to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
These changes reflect the state’s focus on social welfare, education, and economic reforms alongside its efforts to make liquor accessible at reasonable prices
(India Today)(TheBetterAndhra).
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