Shillong: Following reports regarding the remarks of the Comptroller and Auditor General about revenue loss to the State exchequer to the tune of Rs 90 lakh, Mr Muralidharan, Vice President Operations, CMJ breweries has strongly refuted the news.
“The CAG comments are uncalled for and maligns the image of a company that is trying to carry out its work with due diligence. It is surprising to see a one way trial conducted without seeking any clarification from the Company on the issues mentioned in the report,” Muralidharan said adding that the facts mentioned have been misinterpreted without trying to understanding the operational aspects.
Muraidharan clarified that all goods produced in any factory in India are taxable only if a sale is transacted. Any unsold goods remaining in the factory become the personal loss of the concerned unit and have no bearing whatsoever on the revenue of the Government.
In the present case Muralidharan said that the beer produced by the company which is lying unsold is its personal loss and has not caused any loss to the State Govt. The unit had produced its own new brands of beer during the period mentioned but as the State policy for the said industry was not in place, the beer could not be sold thus causing heavy losses to the unit and not the Govt, he clarified.
“It’s the unit which has suffered a loss of Rs 90 lakh due to non sale of its products but surprisingly the facts have been wrongly placed before the public,” Muralidharan said.
He further added that the Unit does not import any beer as mentioned and exports are based on its perception of demand from the markets and the production is done accordingly.
The VP, Operations wondered how aspersions can be cast on the production, planning etc. as any unsold stock is the personal lookout of the management and causes no revenue loss to the Govt in any manner.
“All sales are done as per the permits issued by the Excise Department and the revenue is collected accordingly.
“There is not a single incidence of goods being sold without permits and hence the question of any loss to the Govt does not arise. In fact it’s due to the friendly export policy of the Govt that Meghalaya has earned revenues for the first time from this industry in the last 30 years. Should these good efforts not be lauded?” Muralidharan queried.
He stated that a distinction should be made between a Govt Dept and private company. In the latter all losses or profits accrued are purely that of the management.
Asserting that the CMJ Breweries has set up a unit which has become the unique selling point for Meghalaya across India and abroad and is doing its best to run professionally in spite of the severe bottlenecks in terms of infrastructure, communications etc., Muralidharan said that the Company has also provided maximum employment to the local people, training them and providing them basic facilities.
He also informed that all the major multinationals of the industry are the franchise partners of the Unit today.
“This shows our commitment to showcase Meghalaya as a investment destination which will ultimately generate employment and revenue for the State,” the Vice President Operations stated, adding that the Company adheres to a transparent policy and is funded by several bankers who have placed their trust in it.
