Synopsis
The Jammu and Kashmir government is preparing to invite tenders for the establishment of over 200 liquor outlets as part of its excise policy for 2025-2026, a move that comes despite growing calls for a liquor ban in the region.Key Takeaways
- Over 200 liquor outlets to be established in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Tenders are invited as part of the 2025-2026 excise policy.
- New outlets planned in both Jammu and the Valley.
- Policy effective from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
- Liquor ban proposals are being discussed in the Assembly.
Jammu, March 12 (NationPress) The government of Jammu and Kashmir is set to call for tenders for the establishment of more than 200 liquor outlets as per the state's excise policy for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This decision comes amidst increasing calls for a liquor ban within the region.
According to the finance department's excise policy for Jammu and Kashmir for the fiscal year 2025-2026, the government will invite bids for the establishment of over 200 liquor outlets.
The proposed liquor outlets are set to be located in 10 districts of the Jammu division and four districts in the Valley.
This policy will be effective from April 1, 2025, until March 31, 2026.
As stated in the policy document, the Excise Department will issue licenses for off-premises retail liquor sales (JKEL-2) via e-auction for 83 locations during the year 2025-26.
In the Valley, liquor outlets are planned for popular tourist spots such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, in addition to the seven municipal wards of Srinagar city and the towns of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Uri.
Interestingly, the announcement of the new excise policy was made as one of the ruling National Conference (NC) MLAs, Ahsan Pardesh, submitted a notice to the Speaker proposing a private bill for a liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir.
NC spokesperson and MLA, Tanvir Sadiq, has publicly supported the call for a liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir.
PDP MLA, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, has also expressed support for the demand for a liquor ban.
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is in session for its budget meeting, which commenced on March 3 and is set to conclude on April 9.
A recess is scheduled from March 26 to April 6.
The introduction of the new excise policy indicates that a liquor ban is unlikely to be enacted, as it would require a majority Assembly vote to pass a bill proposing such a ban.
