SRINAGAR: A liquor paradox is playing out in J&K as sales are surging against the grain of political parties pushing for prohibition, driven by growing worries over alcohol abuse in the region.
Govt’s economic survey report presented in the assembly last week projects a 4% increase in excise revenue, expected to reach Rs 2,000 crore in 2024-25. The rise is attributed to policy changes, including strengthened tracking mechanisms, transparent auctions for liquor vends, and an overhauled excise framework.
However, at the heart of the political debate is the demand for prohibition. Opposition PDP has led the charge, with MLA Fayaz Ahmad Mir submitting a bill to ban the “advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic drinks” in the region.
CM Omar Abdullah’s NC followed suit, as did independent legislator Sheikh Khurshid Ahmad.
BJP has also voiced support, having long advocated for liquor restrictions. In Jammu, former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina had earlier staged protests against alcohol sales.
PDP chief and ex-CM Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija launched a signature campaign last week to rally public backing, vowing to take it to every constituency in Kashmir. “We want J&K to be declared a dry state like Gujarat and Bihar,” Iltija said. “J&K is called the land of rishis and peers (Sufi saints). We have our own sensitivities, culture, and customs. That should be respected.”
While political tempers rise, the new excise policy released on Feb 15 takes a dual approach. It acknowledges the “harmful effects of alcohol consumption and drug abuse” but also aims to provide a “choice of liquor brands and places for consumption”. The policy seeks to develop the liquor industry, promote local manufacturing, and create job opportunities.
Plans are afoot to set up liquor shops at revenue-generating tourist locations, particularly in govt-owned facilities. The policy bans the import of IMFL brands priced at Rs 600 or below a bottle.
Former finance minister Haseeb Drabu, who opposed a liquor ban in 2016 on grounds of personal choice rather than revenue loss, said the debate has evolved. Instead of a blanket ban, he suggested a phased approach.
“One option could be to ban it only in the Valley to start with. That way, revenue would also be protected as the bulk of it comes from Jammu. The flip side of this would be bootlegging, especially in a tourist-driven state,” Drabu said.