Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 7: The divisional administration has directed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all the districts in Jammu region to ensure safety of wine shops operating under valid licenses issued by the excise commissioner, J&K government. An order issued by Sachin Dev Singh, assistant commissioner (Central) in the office of divisional commissioner, Jammu, vide No 101/Misc/Jammu/2015-18/3244-55 on January 6, 2016 has asked DCs of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch to take due preventive measures to ensure that no harassment is done while the relocating vendors. "The early relocation of retail liquor traders (vendors) will also facilitate in increase in government revenue, the order added.
It also maintained that the business of sale of liquor, which was being conducted under the supervision and control of excise department, was a major source of revenue generation for the state government. Referring to the Supreme Court judgement on the recommendations of committee headed by Justice K S Radha Krishnan on road safety measures regarding 'shifting of wine shops along the National Highways, the order said, "Accordingly, a J&K High Court Division Bench in its September 27, 2015 judgment has passed directions to shift liquor shops from National Highways by December 31, 2015."
It stated that all shops located along the highways were therefore directed by the Excise Department to close after 9 pm on December 31, 2015 and shift to other locations away from the highways to new sites as approved by the excise department. "Some wine shops have reopened at locations away from the highways as approved by a committee of the excise department," it added. It, however, has mentioned that relocation of some wine shops is being obstructed by some vested interests, who are involved in unauthorised sale of contraband psychotropic substances and country-made liquor. "In this regard, I am directed to request you to facilitate the implementation of the Supreme Court directions in this matter and to ensure that no harassment is done while relocating the vendors. The early relocation of retail liquor traders (vendors) will also facilitate in increase of the government revenue," the order states. |
