Though as usual many MLAs initially succeeded in preventing many people to come forward competing for liquor shops and attempted to hijack most of liquor shops for their nominees, Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) intervention has changed the scenario.
Finding that only a small number of applications were initially received due to excessive political interference, CMO reacted strongly and directly warned MLAs and their followers, who were blocking the filing of many applications.
This has created panic among MLAs and they retreated from the field. On the other hand, the Excise Department has also provided more flexibility to the applicants online. Kept all the details online without a need to go around the excise offices for information. With this, the flood of applications started from Tuesday.
As the deadline for applications has been extended for two more days, there is a possibility of more applications on Thursday and Friday. While only 20,000 applications were received till Monday evening, the number reached 57,709 by Wednesday evening. In other words, 37,000 applications were filed in two days.
So far Rs.1,154 crore has been collected in the form of application fees. It will increase. The government has kept a target of receiving 1 lakh applications, by which to get a revenue of Rs 2,000 crore.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu warned the alliance MLAs not to meddle in the new liquor shops. Asserting that the government is setting up new shops transparently, he said that anyone can apply for them. He made it clear that no MLA tries to control them and put pressure on them.
“Everyone has the right to do business. Don’t let anyone stop you. Political administration does not mean prying into everything. Good governance for the people. Don’t try to bring bad name to the government,” he cautioned the MLAs.
Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra has directed officials to implement the liquor policy in the most transparent manner. He advised them to ensure that there are no irregularities anywhere in the state. The minister reviewed the new liquor policy and application process for liquor shops.
He warned that no excise official should be spared if they resorted to encouraging syndicates. He congratulated the staff for receiving applications exceeding the set target in some districts. In the same spirit, the minister suggested that awareness should be created in every district about filing of applications. He made it clear that new shops and new liquor policy should come into effect from October 16.
Applications in all modes including online are open till 7 PM on the same day. Applications will be scrutinized on October 12 and 13. On the 14th, a lottery will be conducted for liquor shops under the supervision of collectors in respective districts. From October 16, private liquor shops will be running following the new liquor policy.
