Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed officials to speed up the recruitment process for all vacant posts in the Excise and Prohibition Department. He also instructed authorities to give priority to local tribal communities in the construction of department warehouses and ensure their active participation and support.
The Chief Minister issued these directions during a review meeting of the Excise and Prohibition Department held on Friday in Ranchi. The meeting discussed departmental schemes, revenue collection, and measures being taken to curb illegal liquor manufacturing, storage, transportation, and smuggling across the state.
CM Hemant Soren Orders Strict Action Against Illegal Liquor Trade
During the review meeting, Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed officials to take strict and effective action against illegal liquor-related activities.
He said that illegal liquor manufacturing, storage, transportation, and sale not only affect government revenue but also pose serious risks to public health and safety.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure quick action against those involved in illegal liquor networks and strengthen monitoring mechanisms across the state.
Excise Department Exceeds Revenue Target in FY 2025-26
Officials informed the Chief Minister about the department’s revenue performance during the meeting.
Key revenue highlights:
- The Excise Department achieved revenue collection of ₹4,013.53 crore in financial year 2025-26.
- The collection surpassed the target of ₹3,885.11 crore.
- For the financial year 2026-27, the department has set a revenue target of ₹4,500 crore.
- By mid-July 2026, the department had already collected ₹1,376 crore, achieving 30.57% of the annual target.
Local Tribal Communities to Get Priority in Warehouse Construction
Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed officials to provide priority to local tribal youth and communities during the construction of Excise Department warehouses.
He said that involving local communities in development works would create employment opportunities and strengthen the rural economy.
The Chief Minister emphasised that all departmental projects should focus on inclusive growth and provide benefits to local residents.
Recruitment Process for Vacant Excise Posts to Be Accelerated
CM Soren instructed officials to complete recruitment for all vacant positions in the Excise Department at the earliest through the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
He said that adequate and skilled manpower is essential for effective implementation of departmental programmes and better public service delivery.
Officials informed the meeting that the appointment process for 583 Excise Constables selected through JSSC has reached its final stage.
The Chief Minister directed that the recruitment process should maintain:
- Complete transparency.
- Quality selection standards.
- Timely completion.
Liquor Transport Vehicles to Get GPS Tracking and Digital Locks
To improve monitoring and prevent illegal activities, Chief Minister Soren directed that all liquor transportation vehicles should be equipped with GPS tracking systems and digital locks.
The technology-based monitoring system will help authorities track:
- Real-time vehicle movement.
- Routes followed.
- Stops and destinations.
- Possible misuse during transportation.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to increase the use of modern technology in inspections and monitoring of excise units across the state.
Study Ordered on Spirit Consumption and Future Demand
The Chief Minister directed officials to conduct a detailed study on the consumption of spirit in Jharkhand.
The study will examine:
- Current consumption patterns.
- Future demand.
- Industrial usage.
- Revenue generation opportunities.
Based on the findings, the department will prepare a future roadmap for better regulation and revenue growth.
New Liquor Manufacturing Policy Under Preparation
CM Hemant Soren instructed officials to prepare a new policy framework for liquor manufacturing in the state.
He also directed the department to develop a separate policy for regulating industrial alcohol and simplify the label registration process.
The move aims to improve availability of recognised brands while ensuring better regulation of the sector.
Senior Officials Attend Excise Department Review Meeting
The review meeting was attended by several senior government officials, including:
- Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar.
- Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh.
- Principal Secretary, Excise and Prohibition Department, Amitabh Kaushal.
- Excise Commissioner Sandeep Singh.
- Managing Director, Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited, Neeraj Kumar Singh.
- Joint Excise Commissioner Gajendra Kumar Singh.
- Other senior officials of the department.
The meeting focused on improving departmental efficiency, strengthening enforcement against illegal liquor activities, and enhancing technology-based governance.
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