Uttarakhand News: In response to widespread criticism and protests, particularly from women’s groups, the Uttarakhand government has decided to revoke a controversial clause in the new excise policy that allowed license holders to maintain mini-bars at home. The decision to roll back the provision was announced through an order issued by excise commissioner Harish Chandra Semwal.
The contentious rule, numbered 13/11 in the Uttarakhand Excise Policy 2023, permitted individuals with five years of Income Tax Returns (ITR) to apply for a license at the district magistrate’s office for an annual fee of Rs 12,000. Once granted, the license holder was allowed to keep specific quantities of liquor at home, including Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), foreign alcohol, wine, and beer, with certain conditions such as prohibiting commercial activity and ensuring closure on notified dry days.
This provision faced significant backlash
However, this provision faced significant backlash, particularly from local women’s groups, who criticized the government for promoting alcohol consumption instead of focusing on development schemes or job creation. Women’s groups organized protests, expressing concerns that the state was encouraging alcoholism to boost revenue.
In response to the protests, the government decided to defer the implementation of the personal home bar rule until further notice. The reversal comes as a result of mounting pressure and public opposition to the policy, with a focus on promoting healthier alternatives and addressing the concerns of women’s groups.
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