Lucknow: The year 2025 proved to be a landmark year for the Uttar Pradesh Excise Department, as the Yogi Adityanath government introduced revolutionary reforms that transformed governance, boosted revenue, attracted investment, and generated employment. Through a technology-driven, transparent and zero-tolerance approach, the new excise policy has emerged as a national model.
The year will be remembered for record-breaking revenue collection, strict action against illicit liquor networks, and the creation of a robust digital monitoring system across the excise value chain.
Excise Department Becomes Fully Transparent and Technology-Based
Under the new excise policy, the entire functioning of the Excise Department has been made digital and transparent. Allocation of liquor shops was carried out through an e-lottery system, ensuring fairness and eliminating discretion.
Several key processes have now gone completely online, including:
- Issuance of wholesale and bond licenses
- Approval of liquor bottle labels
- Fixation of Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
- Grant of permits for export of liquor
This digital transformation has significantly improved efficiency, accountability, and public trust in the department.
Tight Monitoring from Production to Sale to Curb Illegal Trade
The Yogi government ensured end-to-end monitoring of liquor production, transportation, and sale. To prevent leakages and illegal trade:
- The entire process of molasses production, lifting and distribution was made online
- CCTV cameras were installed in distilleries and manufacturing units
- Digital locks were fitted in liquor and spirit tankers
- Transportation permitted only through GPS-enabled vehicles
- Digital alcohol meters, mass flow meters, radar-based level sensors and bottling counters installed in distilleries
These measures established complete digital surveillance and control across the excise ecosystem.
Major Crackdown on Illicit Liquor and Liquor Mafia
Ensuring public safety remained a top priority. The Excise Department, under strict instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, launched a statewide crackdown against illicit liquor and criminal networks.
In 2025:
- 79,990 cases related to illicit liquor manufacture and smuggling were registered
- 20.86 lakh litres of illicit liquor and narcotics were seized
- 15,085 offenders were arrested
- 2,755 accused were sent to jail
To strengthen public participation, the Excise Control and Command Center in Lucknow remains active with:
- Toll-free number 14405
- WhatsApp number 9454466019
Additionally, the UP Excise Citizen App was launched, enabling citizens to verify the authenticity of liquor and report irregularities.
Record-Breaking Growth in Excise Revenue
The impact of the new excise policy is clearly reflected in revenue figures. By November of FY 2025–26, Uttar Pradesh collected ₹35,144.11 crore in excise revenue.
This marks a 15.59% increase over the ₹30,402.34 crore collected during the same period in FY 2024–25. The state earned an additional ₹4,741.77 crore, reinforcing the strength and effectiveness of the Yogi government’s excise reforms.
Ethanol Production Touches New High, Boosts Employment
Uttar Pradesh set a new benchmark by producing 182 crore litres of ethanol, the highest ever for the state. Structural reforms, technological upgrades, and Ease of Doing Business initiatives accelerated growth across the liquor, beer, wine, and ethanol-based industries.
Key achievements include:
- 105.25 crore litres of ethanol sold within the state
- 40.96 crore litres supplied outside Uttar Pradesh
- UP emerges as a reliable national ethanol hub
Massive Investment and Job Creation Through Invest UP
Under Invest UP, the Excise Department has witnessed strong investor interest:
- 140 MoUs signed, involving investments worth ₹35,378 crore
- 56 ready-to-launch projects with land already allocated
- ₹11,667 crore investment currently under processing
- 35 projects operational, with investments exceeding ₹4,045 crore
These projects have already generated over 5,000 employment opportunities, providing new avenues for youth and strengthening the state’s industrial base.
UP Excise Reforms Set National Benchmark
With strict enforcement, digital governance, record revenues, rising investments, and zero tolerance towards illegal liquor, the Yogi Adityanath government’s excise policy has positioned Uttar Pradesh as the leading excise governance model in the country.
The year-end achievements underline the government’s commitment to public safety, economic growth, transparency, and employment generation.
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