ISWAI commends state govts for implementing progressive excise policies
Vijayawada: The International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) praised state governments for their progressive excise policies aimed at modernising retail formats, increasing revenue, and enhancing consumer experiences.
Key innovations include Uttar Pradesh's composite retail formats, Andhra Pradesh's privatised model, Rajasthan's premium mall-based stores, and Madhya Pradesh's single-bottle billing system, among others.
These initiatives are reshaping the alcohol retail landscape across the country. Sanjit Padhi, CEO of ISWAI, remarked, 'The reforms signal a paradigm shift in the alcobev sector, reflecting the commitment of state governments.
These policies are improving compliance and transparency while fostering sustainable, consumer-focused growth.' He highlighted Uttar Pradesh's impressive revenue growth from Rs 24,000 crore in FY 18/19 to a target of Rs 55,000 crore in FY 25/26, attributing this success to ISWAI members, who contribute over 55% of the state's IMFL revenue. New outlets and investments in retail infrastructure are expected to enhance the consumer experience further.
The reforms also stabilise vendor operations by offering two-year licenses through an e-lottery system, capping ownership at two outlets, and promoting fair competition. Padhi added, 'We are seeing the rise of a modern alcobev ecosystem that aligns with global best practices, providing consumers with quality brands and deterring counterfeit products.'
In Andhra Pradesh, the privatised retail model supports 3,736 liquor vends and has led to a Rs 1,800 crore increase in revenue. Padhi also stressed the need for deregulation in pricing, stating that market forces should dictate prices to prevent businesses from pricing themselves out of the market.
ISWAI advocates for removing pricing controls to encourage investment and enhance contributions to state revenues. As more states adopt these successful practices, India's alcobev landscape will continue to evolve toward a balanced and consumer-centric ecosystem.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Standard
20 minutes ago
- Business Standard
CRR at 3% seen as new normal, RBI says it's sufficient for liquidity
The cut in CRR would release primary liquidity of about Rs 2.5 lakh crore to the banking system by December 2025 Mumbai Listen to This Article The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to cut the cash reserve ratio (CRR) requirement of banks by 100 basis points (bps) to 3 per cent of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) and this could be the new normal. It will be done in a staggered manner — with effect from the fortnights beginning September 6, October 4, November 1 and November 29. The cut in CRR is set to release primary liquidity of about Rs 2.5 trillion into the banking system by December 2025. Historically, CRR — the amount of cash that banks need to keep with
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
PNB cuts lending rate in line with RBI policy
Hours after RBI's jumbo rate cut, state-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) on Friday announced up to 50 basis points reduction in lending rate, a move which will help existing and new borrowers. Other banks are also expected to make similar announcements soon. "Great News for Our Valued Customers! Punjab National Bank Makes Your EMIs More Affordable! Following the repo rate cut (6.00% - 5.50%), Punjab National Bank has reduced its RLLR by 50 bps, effective from June 9, 2025," PNB said in a post on X. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The price of dental implants may surprise you Dental Implants | Search Ads Search Now With the reduction in the benchmark repo-linked benchmark lending rates (RBLR), the home loan of the bank will start from 7.45 per cent while vehicle loans from 7.8 per cent per annum. Earlier in the day, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut interest rates by a larger-than-expected 50 basis points, and unexpectedly reduced the cash reserve ratio for banks to make available more money to lend in a bid to boost the economy. Live Events The RBI's six-member monetary policy committee, headed by Governor Sanjay Malhotra and consisting of three external members, voted five to one to lower the benchmark repurchase or repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5 per cent. It also cut the cash reserve ratio by 100 basis points to 3 per cent, adding Rs 2.5 lakh crore to already surplus liquidity in the banking system. With the latest reduction, the RBI has now cut interest rates by a total of 100 basis points in 2025, starting with a quarter-point reduction in February -- the first cut since May 2020 -- and another similar-sized cut in April. The central bank, at the same time, changed its monetary policy stance from 'accommodative' to 'neutral', meaning rates could increase or decrease in future depending on incoming data, with Malhotra stating that it may have limited space for further easing.
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
MLC urges transport min to upgrade KSRTC bus stand
Mangaluru: MLC Manjunath Bhandary urged transport minister Ramalinga Reddy to upgrade and develop the KSRTC bus station into a high-tech bus terminal and to initiate the operation of electric buses. The bus station, located in the heart of Mangaluru, was approved in 1980 and constructed with an estimated grant of Rs 60 lakh in 1986. In a letter to the minister, Bhandary requested that the bus station be upgraded to a high-tech bus terminal with modern facilities, similar to those in other districts, with an estimated grant of Rs 120 crore, along with the initiation of electric bus operations in the city. Mangaluru is one of the major commercial cities in the country, serving as a port city and a significant trading hub in Karnataka, due to its conducive commercial activities. Thousands of people from across the country and abroad visit the city daily for tourism and educational purposes. Currently, the bus station spans 3.6 acres, with a terminal building covering 4,702sqm, a commercial area of 814sqm, a two-wheeler parking area of 305sqm, a car parking area of 608sqm, an autorickshaw stand of 171sqm, and restrooms of 1,564sqm. The letter details that over the past 39 years, the station was maintained with minimal funding, with no efforts made to upgrade it with modern facilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Approximately 585 buses from various sectors arrive and depart from the station daily, with around 25,000 passengers relying on it directly and indirectly. Mangaluru, being one of the cities with the highest tax-paying individuals and organisations through various industries, demands an upgrade to the station's capacity in line with the times, similar to high-tech bus terminals in other states, Bhandary urged. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
