The Excise Department in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh has commenced the process of granting licenses for liquor shops at 15% higher rates from the new financial year. According to information available, the district has been divided into a total of 64 groups, encompassing approximately 173 liquor shops. However, auctions for about 139 shops in 50 groups have already taken place.
Tender Process for 34 Shops
Starting from the new financial year, the Excise Department in Indore city is set to begin calling tenders for liquor shops. While auctions for around 139 shops have already concluded, the department is yet to find contractors for the remaining 34 shops in approximately 14 groups. The process for this is scheduled to begin on February 27, with decisions on these shops expected by March 4.
Revenue Target of ₹1509 Crores
It is worth mentioning that the department aims to generate revenue of approximately ₹1509 crores for the fiscal year 2024-25. This revenue target is set to be achieved solely through license fees. As of now, the department has already collected ₹1148 crores in revenue. However, the current achievement is only 76.06% of the total target.
Renewal of 139 Shops in 50 Groups
Out of the total 173 shops in 50 groups, auctions for about 139 shops have taken place so far. Manish Khare, Assistant Excise Commissioner, stated that the renewal has been completed for 139 shops belonging to 50 groups. The current financial year has seen a 15% increase in prevailing rates, and for the fiscal year 2024-25, a reserved price of ₹1509 crores has been set.
Remaining 34 Shops to be Tendered
According to Khare, the remaining 34 shops in 14 groups will undergo the tender process starting February 27, with decisions on these outlets expected to be finalized by March 4. This marks the first occasion where 43 groups voluntarily increased fees by 15% and renewed their shops. Following this, tenders have been issued on February 22 for the remaining groups.
The Excise Department’s auction and tendering process in Indore present an interesting development in revenue collection and licensing for liquor shops, demonstrating the dynamic nature of financial strategies in the sector. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the tender process for the remaining shops.