“Achieve 100% Targets” — Excise Commissioner Namit Mehta

Udaipur: Namit Mehta, Excise Commissioner, directed officials to ensure 100% allotment of liquor shops, achieve revenue targets, and take strict action against illegal liquor smuggling and illicit (country-made) liquor, in line with the expectations of the state government.

He was addressing a departmental review meeting of all districts under the Jodhpur zone, held on Wednesday at the auditorium of Marwar International Center. During the meeting, detailed reviews of district-wise performance were conducted, and necessary directions were issued to District Excise Officers, Deputy Commissioners of the Excise Enforcement Wing, Assistant Excise Officers, and inspectors.

District-wise Review; Action on Poor Performance

The Commissioner made it clear that regular district-wise reviews will be conducted across all zones. Districts where the performance of officers or enforcement teams does not meet expectations will face action as per rules.

Monitoring and Inspections to Boost Revenue

He instructed excise inspectors to regularly inspect liquor shops and review shop-wise progress to ensure achievement of lifting and revenue targets. He also directed strict action against unauthorized sale of liquor in hotels, resorts, and restaurants, expansion of licensed outlets district-wise, and tighter control over illegal sales.

Speed Up Recovery of Pending Revenue

The Commissioner noted that approximately ₹2,174 crore in revenue is pending across the state. He directed officials to accelerate recovery by offering interest relief under the amnesty scheme and to take strict action against defaulters when necessary.

Strengthen Informant Network to Curb Smuggling

Mr. Mehta instructed Deputy Commissioners and enforcement teams to strengthen the informant network, increase patrols and raids, and intensify preventive campaigns to effectively control illegal liquor smuggling.

Strict Compliance with Rules

The meeting also emphasized strict compliance with rules such as closing liquor shops by 8 PM, obtaining occasional licenses for weddings and parties, prohibition on serving hard liquor in restaurants, review of pending court cases, and strengthening enforcement actions at excise police stations.

Progress Presented via PPT

Seema Kavia, Additional Excise Commissioner, Jodhpur Zone, presented district-wise progress through a PPT. Officials from Jodhpur, Pali, Jaisalmer, Sirohi, Barmer, and Jalore assured that targets would be achieved as planned.

Prior to the meeting, the Excise Commissioner was given a guard of honor by the excise police team, and officials welcomed him with bouquets. The meeting was attended by senior excise department officials, including District Excise Officer Bhawani Singh.