Latest news with #MukeshKumarMeena
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Hans India
AP to be ID liquor-free by September 30: Excise PS Mukesh Kumar
Vijayawada: Principal Secretary (Excise) Mukesh Kumar Meena has set a state-wide deadline of September 30 to eradicate illicitly distilled (ID) liquor from Andhra Pradesh under Navodayam 2.0. Chairing a review meeting at Prohibition & Excise Commissioner's Office in Mangalagiri on Wednesday, Mukesh Kumar Meena issued comprehensive directives to Excise officers across the State, calling for intensified enforcement. Focusing on high-incidence districts such as Kakinada, East Godavari, Srikakulam, and Parvathipuram Manyam, Mukesh Kumar instructed the officers to build on previous enforcement experience and launch aggressive, targeted operations to eliminate ID liquor completely. He emphasised that performance will be monitored closely and timelines must be met without exception. In addition to ID liquor, the review covered efforts to curb non-duty paid liquor (NDPL). While acknowledging that the introduction of Rs 99 liquor brands has helped reduce NDPL inflows, he urged the officials to maintain vigilance, especially in districts like Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur, Kurnool, Nandyal and Annamayya. Emphasising retail regulation, he directed that liquor sales must strictly follow MRP norms and official timings and stressed the importance of preventive action to avoid untoward incidents. Reinforcing administrative discipline, Mukesh Kumar ordered all officers to remain in their headquarters, ensure swift grievance redressal, and implement mandatory night patrolling by senior officers. Director of Excise Nishant Kumar called upon the district officials to respond promptly to public complaints and maintain round-the-clock enforcement readiness. He reiterated the need for strong field presence and quick operational response. Director of Enforcement Rahul Dev Sharma presented a detailed review of ongoing ID liquor cases, NDPL seizures, and pending arrests. He instructed officers to speed up investigations, file charge sheets without delay, and identify suitable cases for invoking the Preventive Detention (PD) Act to deter repeat offenders. Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena also launched the Diary-cum-Handbook of the AP State Excise Executive Officers Association, reinforcing his focus on coordination and professionalism within the department.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- The Hindu
Navodayam 2.0: Andhra Pradesh govt. sets September 30 deadline to become ID Liquor-free
In a decisive push to eradicate illicitly distilled (ID) liquor from Andhra Pradesh, Principal Secretary (Excise) Mukesh Kumar Meena has set a deadline of September 30, 2025, to make the State free of the menace. The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting held at the Prohibition & Excise Commissioner's Office in Mangalagiri on Wednesday, as part of the Navodayam 2.0 initiative. Addressing the officials from across the State, Mr. Meena laid out a comprehensive strategy for intensified enforcement, calling for district-specific plans and visible results. Special focus has been laid on Kakinada, East Godavari, Srikakulam, and Parvathipuram-Manyam ditsricts, where the battle against ID liquor has remained persistent. Citing the importance of accountability, Mr. Meena made it clear that timelines must be met without exception and that officers performance will be under continuous review. The meeting reviewed efforts to curb the inflow of non-duty paid liquor (NDPL). Noting that the introduction of ₹99 liquor brands has helped reduce the NDPL activity, Mr. Meena urged the officials to stay vigilant, particularly in the border-sensitive districts including Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur, Kurnool, Nandyal, and Annamayya. Retail regulation On retail regulation, Mr. Meena reiterated that liquor sales must strictly adhere to Maximum Retail Price (MRP) norms and operate only within authorised hours. He emphasised preventive measures to avoid any untoward incidents and reinforced the need for strict administrative discipline. All excise officers were directed to remain stationed in their respective headquarters, ensure prompt grievance redressal, and implement mandatory night patrolling by senior officials. As a measure to support coordination and officer preparedness, Mr. Meena launched the Diary-cum-Handbook of the Andhra Pradesh State Excise Executive Officers Association during the meeting. The handbook is expected to enhance operational efficiency and professional conduct across the department.
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh government forms expert panel to oversee new excise management system
In a move to strengthen control over the liquor supply chain, the government of Andhra Pradesh has constituted a Multi-Departmental Expert Committee to oversee the development and implementation of a new Track and Trace cum Integrated Excise Management System. According to a G.O. 356 issued by Principal Secretary, Excise Department (FAC), Mukesh Kumar Meena the system aims to ensure complete end-to-end supervision using an advanced technology-driven mechanism. The Director of Prohibition and Excise had earlier submitted a detailed proposal along with a draft Request for Proposal (RFP), incorporating lessons from similar systems in other States. The proposed RFP includes the supply of Holographic Excise Adhesive Labels (HEALS), now extending to beer bottles, and a comprehensive software platform for shipment tracking, regulatory compliance, enforcement, and end-user verification through a mobile application. The system will be implemented in two phases — Phase-I covering Track and Trace functionalities, and Phase-II focusing on regulatory modules like renewals and permits for Molasses and others. The eligibility criteria for service providers will align with the General Financial Rules and procurement guidelines issued by the Government of India's Ministry of Finance in June 2024. The newly constituted Multi-Departmental Committee comprises senior officials from Prohibition & Excise, Industries & Commerce, Finance, and Information Technology, Electronics & Communications departments. The Committee is tasked with reviewing the draft RFP and proposing modifications, if any, within 15 days. It will also evaluate the bids received in response to the RFP and recommend a final selection, strictly adhering to government procurement norms. Mr. Mukesh Kumar Meena emphasized the importance of swift and transparent action, directing the Excise department to coordinate the next steps promptly.
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- New Indian Express
Crackdown on Illicit Distilled liquor in AOB villages
VIJAYAWADA: As part of the enforcement phase of the government's flagship programme Navodayam 2.0, aimed at eradicating Illicit Distilled (ID) liquor from Andhra Pradesh, the Prohibition and Excise Departments of Vizianagaram Division and Srikakulam District conducted special inter-State raids in the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) villages located in Rayagada and Gajapati districts of Odisha. Notably, this is the second time in this month that joint raids have been carried out by the Andhra and Odisha enforcement agencies. During the Vizianagaram Division raids, four cases were detected, leading to the arrest of two individuals. Authorities seized 360 litres of ID liquor wash and 7,700 litres of other material. In Srikakulam district, four cases were detected. The teams seized 1,120 litres of ID liquor wash and 10,600 litres of other material. A total of eight cases were registered, with two arrests made across the two regions. The raids led to the seizure of 1,480 litres of ID liquor wash, 18,300 litres of other illicit material, 3,000 kilograms of Mahua flowers, 2,400 kilograms of black jaggery, and 3,900 kilograms of ammonia. The enforcement drive marked a significant step in the government's mission to eradicate illicit liquor and promote a liquor-free Andhra Pradesh. The success of this enforcement effort can be attributed to the constant guidance and proactive leadership of Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena (Excise and GAD - Political), who took keen interest through regular reviews and day-to-day monitoring of the operations. Excise Commissioner Nishant Kumar and Enforcement Director Rahul Dev Sharma played a key role in guiding the teams and encouraging field-level officials, ensuring that the drive remained focused, coordinated, and result-oriented.
