Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today issued stringent directives to the Excise Department, mandating a zero-tolerance policy towards illicit liquor manufacturing, trade, and smuggling within the state. The Minister emphasized the need for unwavering vigilance and proactive measures to curb these illegal activities, particularly targeting habitual offenders.
Addressing senior officers of the Excise Department during a review meeting held here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asserted that there would be no leniency in dealing with any lapses in enforcing the law. He explicitly stated that any officer found negligent in their duty regarding the prevention of illicit liquor activities would face strict disciplinary action.
The Finance Minister underscored the importance of inter-departmental collaboration, directing Excise officials to work in close coordination with the Punjab Police to effectively tackle the menace of illegal liquor. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring of ongoing cases and proactive intelligence gathering to identify and neutralize spurious elements involved in the illicit liquor trade.
Furthermore, Finance Minister Cheema instructed the department to ensure meticulous follow-up of all court cases related to excise violations. He emphasized the government's commitment to achieving the maximum possible conviction rate to serve as a strong deterrent against such criminal activities.
A key area of focus highlighted by the Finance Minister was the strengthening of vigilance to prevent the smuggling of liquor into Punjab, particularly from Chandigarh. He directed the department to implement robust mechanisms and intensify checks at border points and along potential smuggling routes.
In a significant directive aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability within the liquor distribution system, Finance Minister Cheema instructed the department to strictly ensure that the lifting of liquor from authorized sources is precisely equal to its counter sale. This measure is intended to eliminate any scope for diversion of legally produced liquor into the illicit market.
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary (Excise) Vikas Pratap echoed the Minister's sentiments and urged all field officials of the department to perform their duties with utmost dedication and integrity. He assured them of his full support while emphasizing that he would personally conduct a regular weekly review of the performance of all officers and officials to ensure effective implementation of the Minister's directives and to maintain a sustained crackdown on illicit liquor activities.
The Excise Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal assured the Finance Minister that the Excise Department is fully geared up for intensified action on the ground to achieve a zero-incident status concerning illegal liquor activities in the state.