Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa government has come out in strong support of the Excise Department, citing a remarkable increase in revenue collection, which has more than doubled to over ₹900 crore since 2020. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the department is performing efficiently and forecasted even higher earnings in the ongoing financial year.
The statement comes amid opposition criticism over alleged links between excise officials and illegal liquor operations. Sawant acknowledged that while one officer has been suspended, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against 17 others.
To combat smuggling and unauthorised liquor sales, the government plans to implement holographic labeling on all locally produced liquor bottles. The process to award the contract for this initiative is currently underway.
Opposition MLAs Yuri Alemao and Vijai Sardesai raised multiple concerns during the Assembly session, including the continued presence of illicit liquor units, unchecked movement of alcohol across borders, and lapses by excise personnel. They urged the government to tighten controls, particularly in vulnerable areas like Latambarcem in Bicholim taluka.
