Andhra Cabinet approves new excise policy: Liquor to cost only Rs 99 for 180ml

Andhra Pradesh approves a new excise policy with liquor priced at ₹99 for 180 ml, 33% reservation for backward classes, and plans for an AI university, skilling academy, and infrastructure development.

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has given the green light to a new excise policy to be effective from October 1, 2024.

A key highlight of the new policy is the introduction of affordable liquor pricing, with 180ml of liquor bottles capped at just Rs 99. This initiative aims to make alcohol accessible at a reasonable cost while ensuring quality standards.

The government also adopted a private retail system for the sale of liquor. As per Information and Public Relations Minister K Parthasarathy, there are 3,736 retail outlets across Andhra Pradesh, and 10 percent of these licences will be allocated to the toddy-tapper community through an online lottery system. In addition to this, premium liquor shops will be set up at 12 locations outside Tirupati.

The Cabinet's decision emphasises transparency in the allocation of licences for retail outlets. Naidu instructed officials to ensure that consumers receive good quality liquor at competitive prices while promoting a fair and open process for awarding licences.

The Cabinet also approved a host of proposals that included providing 33 percent reservation for backward classes (BC) in legislative bodies to enhance representation and promote social inclusivity in governance.

The state also plans to advance its education and technology sectors. The Cabinet resolved to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) university and a skilling academy to nurture talent and enhance workforce capabilities in the region.

The Cabinet has approved renaming of the Bhogapuram Airport as Alluri Seetharamaraju International Airport. The 'Vikasitha Andhra 2047' vision document has been rechristened Swarnandhra Vision Document, and it will be formally released on November 1.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the construction of a new diaphragm wall for the Polavaram project, reaffirming the government's commitment to transparency through a competitive bidding process for the project’s next phase. These initiatives collectively underscore the state’s forward-looking approach to governance and infrastructure development.

(With inputs from agencies)