Palpable scam brews in Haryana excise department

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Haryana is mulling a new excise policy without currying favour with tainted corporate entities. A report prepared by the excise department in Haryana had suggested that most of the modern paper-based high-security labels to check tax evasion was proposed to be replaced with <g data-gr-id="34">polyster</g> based hologram to accommodate the interests of a corporate house.

According to the officials of Haryana government, people were surprised after they came to know about the idea of replacing paper labels, as the introduction of the same in 2009 had resulted in multi-fold increase in government revenue. “The excise revenue collection for the year 2008-2009 stood at a mere Rs 1423.10 crore. Soon after the introduction of paper labels, it shot up next year to Rs 2072.66 crore. Currently, it stands at Rs 3459.20 crore. There was not a single instance of fake liquor being sold. So why replace the paper labels,” asked an official.

The step was taken to increase the cost of labelling the bottles. “The paper labels come at mere 14 paise per bottle and the <g data-gr-id="33">polyster</g> labels could cost as much as 30 paise per bottle. Thus the cost on labelling will increase from Rs 12.5 crore to more than Rs 25 crore,” said the official. A report said, “The cost factor may be the last consideration vis-à-vis the purpose to be achieved and stakes involved.” 

On the issue of <g data-gr-id="29">environmental</g> hazard caused by a non-bio-degradable label, the report said, “The issue of the environment-friendly label can be addressed by responsible disposal of used bottles.” 

While speaking on the reuse of labels on fresh bottles, the committee said, “To minimise the chances of removing labels from used bottles, the supplier should apply better quality gum on the labels.” 

“Soon after the change, complaints were received from the government that the paper labels were being duplicated. However, the complaints were never verified nor did raids conducted at liquor shops show the presence of bottles with fake paper holograms. Making such unverified complaint, the government decided to go for <g data-gr-id="35">change</g> in technology,” the official said.