Ranchi: The Jharkhand government has launched a major crackdown against illegal liquor manufacturing, transportation and smuggling in the state. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed the Excise and Prohibition Department to adopt strict measures against liquor mafias and strengthen monitoring through modern technology.
During a high-level review meeting of the Excise and Prohibition Department at the Jharkhand Secretariat, the Chief Minister instructed officials to take immediate action against illegal liquor activities. He also emphasised filling vacant posts, introducing GPS-based monitoring systems, preparing a new liquor manufacturing policy and creating employment opportunities for local communities.
Strict Action Against Illegal Liquor Manufacturing and Smuggling
Chief Minister Hemant Soren reviewed the department’s schemes, revenue collection and ongoing action against illegal liquor businesses.
He said illegal liquor activities are harmful in two major ways:
- It causes financial losses to government revenue.
- It creates serious risks to public health and human lives.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure quick and effective action against people involved in illegal liquor production, transportation, sale and smuggling.
Excise and Prohibition Minister Yogendra Prasad was also present during the meeting.
Read also: Jharkhand Students Create AI Water Cleaning Robot to Remove Waste from Basukinath’s Shiv Ganga Pond
Excise Department Exceeds Revenue Target in 2025-26
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the Excise and Prohibition Department performed better than its target during the financial year 2025-26.
The revenue performance details are:
- Revenue target (2025-26): ₹3,885.11 crore
- Revenue collected: ₹4,013.53 crore
- Revenue target (2026-27): ₹4,500 crore
- Revenue collected till mid-July 2026: ₹1,376 crore
- Achievement of annual target: 30.57%
The government aims to further increase revenue collection while strengthening action against illegal liquor networks.
GPS Tracking and Digital Locks for Liquor Transport Vehicles
To control illegal liquor transportation, the Chief Minister ordered the introduction of technology-based monitoring systems.
The major measures include:
- Installation of GPS tracking systems in liquor transport vehicles.
- Use of digital locks for better security.
- Real-time monitoring of vehicle movement.
- Tracking of routes, stoppages and final destinations.
According to the government, these steps will improve transparency in liquor transportation and help prevent illegal activities.
Excise Department to Use More Modern Technology
Hemant Soren directed officials to increase the use of technology in all operations of the Excise and Prohibition Department.
Key focus areas include:
- Technology-based inspection of excise units.
- Improved digital monitoring systems.
- Better supervision of departmental activities.
- More effective implementation of government plans.
The move aims to make the department more efficient and transparent.
Local Tribal Communities to Get Priority in Warehouse Construction
The Chief Minister instructed officials to give priority to local tribal communities during the construction of excise department warehouses in different districts.
The initiative is expected to:
- Create local employment opportunities.
- Support tribal communities.
- Strengthen the rural economy of Jharkhand.
583 Excise Constables Recruitment Process Nears Completion
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed vacant positions in the department and directed officials to speed up recruitment.
He said that adequate and skilled manpower is necessary for effective implementation of departmental programmes.
The government has instructed that recruitment through the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) should be completed in a transparent and time-bound manner.
Officials informed that:
- The appointment process for 583 selected excise constables through JSSC is in its final stage.
- Regular recruitment for vacant posts will be carried out soon.
Government Plans Study on Spirit Consumption
The Chief Minister directed officials to conduct a detailed study on the consumption of spirit and liquor in Jharkhand.
The study will focus on:
- Current demand analysis.
- Future consumption trends.
- Industrial use of spirit.
- Possibilities for increasing government revenue.
Based on the findings, the department will prepare a detailed future strategy.
New Liquor Manufacturing Policy to Be Prepared
The Jharkhand government is planning to introduce a new policy for liquor manufacturing in the state.
The proposed measures include:
- Developing policies for different types of liquor production.
- Creating separate regulations for industrial alcohol.
- Simplifying the label registration process.
- Ensuring availability of popular brands in the state.
The move is aimed at improving regulation and strengthening the liquor sector.
Senior Officials Attend High-Level Review Meeting
Several senior officials participated in the meeting, including:
- Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar
- Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh
- Excise and Prohibition Department Principal Secretary Amitabh Kaushal
- Excise Commissioner Sandeep Singh
- Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited Managing Director Neeraj Kumar Singh
- Joint Excise Commissioner Gajendra Kumar Singh
- Other senior officials from the department
Jharkhand Government’s Focus on Technology and Enforcement
The latest decisions by the Jharkhand government show a strong focus on controlling illegal liquor activities through strict enforcement, digital monitoring and administrative reforms.
With GPS tracking, faster recruitment, technology-based inspections and policy changes, the government aims to improve regulation of the liquor sector while protecting public health and increasing transparency.
