Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday directed officials to intensify action against the illegal manufacture, storage, transportation and smuggling of liquor across Jharkhand, saying such activities not only cause revenue losses but also pose a serious threat to public health.
Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Excise and Prohibition Department at the Jharkhand Ministry, the Chief Minister assessed the department’s performance, revenue collection and enforcement measures against illegal liquor. Excise and Prohibition Minister Yogendra Prasad was also present at the meeting.
Soren instructed officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards the illegal liquor trade and ensure swift and effective action against those involved. He stressed that curbing the illicit liquor business was essential to protect both government revenue and the lives of consumers.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the department had exceeded its revenue target of Rs 3,885.11 crore in 2025-26 by collecting Rs 4,013.53 crore. For the current financial year (2026-27), the state has set a revenue target of Rs 4,500 crore, of which Rs 1,376 crore—around 30.57 per cent of the annual target—has already been collected by mid-July.
The Chief Minister also directed the department to make greater use of modern technology in inspections and monitoring. He asked officials to install GPS tracking systems and digital locks in liquor transportation vehicles to enable real-time monitoring of routes, stoppages and destinations, thereby improving transparency and preventing illegal activities.
Soren further instructed the department to conduct a comprehensive study on the consumption of industrial spirit in the state, assess future demand, industrial usage and revenue potential, and prepare a long-term action plan.
Emphasising employment generation, the Chief Minister said local tribal communities should be given priority in the construction of excise department warehouses across the state, which would also strengthen the rural economy.
Reviewing staffing in the department, Soren directed officials to expedite recruitment against all vacant posts through the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). He said adequate manpower was crucial for the effective implementation of departmental schemes and stronger enforcement. Officials informed the meeting that the process of issuing appointment letters to 583 newly selected excise constables is in its final stage.
The Chief Minister also asked officials to formulate a comprehensive liquor manufacturing policy for the state, including a regulatory framework for industrial alcohol. He further directed that the label registration process be simplified to ensure the availability of popular liquor brands in the market.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Excise and Prohibition Department Principal Secretary Amitabh Kaushal, Excise Commissioner Sandeep Singh, JSBCL Managing Director Neeraj Kumar Singh, Joint Excise Commissioner Gajendra Kumar Singh and other senior officials.