Shimla, April 17:— To prevent revenue loss, the Himachal Pradesh Government will operate 240 un-allotted liquor vends in five districts through state-run boards and corporations. These vends remained unsold after contractors offered bids 20%–30% below the base price during repeated auctions.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, after a meeting with the General Industries Corporation (GIC) and the Himachal Pradesh Small Industries Development Corporation (HPSIDC), said the move was necessary to safeguard the state’s excise revenue.
Corporations take charge
Agro Industries Corporation, GIC, HPSIDC, Forest Corporation, Civil Supplies Corporation and HIMFED have been tasked with running the shops. The corporations have been granted financial powers to rent premises and hire staff on an outsourced basis.
“The GIC will manage 42 liquor vends in Kullu worth Rs 42 crore, while the HPSIDC will operate 23 vends in Mandi,” said Chauhan. If the Excise Department fails to reach fresh agreements, the corporations will begin operations within days.
Many of the un-allotted vends are located in rural areas, which contractors deemed commercially unviable.
