VHP opposes new Excise Policy, writes to LG

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 28: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded that the prevailing anomaly in New Excise Policy should be done away with immediately.
In a letter to Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha released to press here, today by VHP working president, Rajesh Gupta it has alleged that the New Excise Policy and the notification in this regard issued vide SO NO 114 dated 31 March 2021 is not having any clause on the location of retail shops and the same is cause of concern for the citizens of the UT.
The VHP in its letter to LG has said that the location clause of Excise Policy 2018 -19 should be maintained in letter and spirit and Excise Policy 2021 -22 may be amended by adding the requisite clause to uphold the public sentiment and to maintain serenity of Jammu and Kashmir.
The letter further said that in the Excise Policy of 2018-19 , Jammu and Kashmir Government’s Finance Department had notified vide SRO No 240 dated May 29, 2018 that retail wine dealers can open a shop which is at a minimum distance of 300 meters from the religious place, educational institution, hospital and public park’. Besides, the Excise Policy Notification of 2019-20 declared vide SRO No 128 dated 25th February 2019 that “Vends shall be at a minimum distance of 100 meters from the religious places, schools, hospitals and nearest liquor shops.”
It said but this relaxation in location format was objected by the people. However, the Excise Policy of 2021-22 notification is not having any clause on the location of retail shop which is a cause of concern and the policy may be amended in the larger interests of the people of the UT, the letter added.

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