SHILLONG, March 12: The Meghalaya government on Wednesday faced sharp criticism from the Opposition over its handling of illicit liquor sale in the state, with allegations that the government has turned a blind eye to the thriving illegal liquor trade. The debate came from a cut motion raised by Nongkrem legislator, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, citing reports of a fake liquor factory operating in Umiam, raising serious concerns about regulatory lapses despite multiple approvals needed to establish such businesses.
Leader of the Opposition, Mukul Sangma, along with other legislators, lambasted the state government for failing to curb the illegal liquor trade while simultaneously relying heavily on excise revenue. “How on earth is it possible to operate an illegal and fake liquor factory in the heart of the state?” questioned Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit. “The state government is not doing enough to curtail the sale of illicit liquor.”
Liquor remains one of the highest revenue-generating sectors for Meghalaya. According to government projections, excise revenue is expected to touch Rs 682 crore in 2025-26.
Replying to the Opposition, Excise and Revenue Minister Kyrmen Shylla said, “In Ri-Bhoi, there are 11 bottling plants, 6 bonded warehouses, and 89 wine shops and bars. The West Khasi Hills district has 2 bonded warehouses, while South West Khasi Hills has 17. The Eastern West Khasi Hills district is home to 51 bonded warehouses and 4 wine shops/bars, whereas West Jaintia Hills has 8 bonded warehouses and 5 wine shops/bars.”
Similarly, “South Garo Hills has 8 bottling plants, 213 bonded warehouses, and 6 wine shops and bars, while South West Garo Hills has 3 bottling plants and 39 bonded warehouses. In total, Meghalaya has 11 breweries and distilleries, 4 bonded warehouses, 62 wine shops/bars, 854 retail liquor shops, and 105 bars.”
He also informed the House that over the past four years, Meghalaya’s enforcement agencies have conducted numerous raids, uncovering a worrying trend. In 2020-21, authorities conducted 1,538 raids, registering 396 cases and arresting 316 individuals, leading to fines amounting to Rs 3.77 lakh. The following year, 1,418 raids were carried out, with 324 cases registered, 266 arrests made, and Rs 4.72 lakh collected in fines.
The figures for 2022-23 showed a decline in raids but a surge in fines, with only 751 raids conducted and 117 cases registered. However, 77 arrests were made, and fines skyrocketed to Rs 7.88 lakh. The most recent data from 2023-24 indicates 364 raids, 724 cases, and 414 arrests, with Rs 6.30 lakh collected in penalties. In total, over 2,621 cases have been registered in four years, with fines exceeding Rs 22.68 lakh.
Further in 2024-25, conducting 3,978 raids so far, resulting in 518 cases and 263 arrests. However, the Opposition remains unconvinced, arguing that these numbers reflect only a fraction of the illegal trade still operating across the state.
‘How is it thriving?’
Basaiawmoit questioned the logistical impossibility of running an illegal liquor operation given the multiple approvals required, including Industries department clearance, consent to establish from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), compliance with safety norms and pollution control regulations, power supply approval from MeECL, specific licences for alcohol production and distribution, Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification for human consumption, and annual or bi-annual inspections by regulatory agencies.
“If all these approvals are needed, how is this racket still thriving? We need categorical clarification on the steps taken to address this issue,” questioned Basaiawmoit.
The Opposition has urged the government to step up surveillance, particularly on bonded warehouses and retail outlets. Mukul Sangma stressed that wine stores must not be placed near schools and highways, as accessibility increases human temptation. He pointed out that liquor stores in Meghalaya often resemble high-end designer boutiques, making alcohol consumption more enticing.
