AnyTime News 
Revenue Boom, But Weak Crackdown? Rising Illegal Trade Undermines Government Claims
Anytime News Network /By Pooja Srivastava
While the state government is celebrating a significant rise in excise revenue, the parallel surge in illegal liquor activities paints a far less reassuring picture. The excise department reported a revenue collection of ₹57,722.26 crore in FY 2025-26, marking a 9.79% increase compared to the previous year. However, these figures are overshadowed by alarming enforcement data.
A staggering 118,978 cases related to illegal liquor were registered by March 2026, along with the seizure of 3.094 million litres of illicit alcohol. Over 21,446 individuals were arrested, yet only 3,967 were sent to जेल, raising concerns about the effectiveness of legal follow-through and deterrence.
The trend continued into April 2026, with 9,535 fresh cases and 255,000 litres of illegal liquor seized. Although 1,516 arrests were made, only 214 individuals were jailed, highlighting a potential gap between enforcement action and judicial outcomes.
Experts argue that the increase in revenue may partly reflect higher consumption and expanded licensing rather than improved governance. Meanwhile, the persistent scale of illegal trade suggests systemic loopholes and enforcement challenges that remain unaddressed.
Critics question whether the focus on revenue generation is overshadowing the urgent need to dismantle illegal liquor networks. Without stronger accountability, stricter monitoring, and more effective prosecution, the state’s claims of success risk appearing superficial.
The government now faces a critical test — whether it can balance revenue growth with genuine control over illegal activities, or continue to rely on headline figures that mask deeper structural issues.
