By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 26: Voice of the People Party (VPP) spokesperson Dr AW Rani has raised concerns over the Meghalaya government’s Integrated Excise Management System (IEMS), alleging the policy hurts local liquor retailers and reduces state revenue to benefit private interests.
Clarifying that the VPP does not promote liquor consumption, Rani insisted that government regulations must remain fair, transparent, and economically viable.
He argued that while the state should work to reduce the social impact of alcohol, current policies should not undermine local businesses and workers dependent on the sector.
Rani criticised the IEMS for reducing retailers’ margins and diverting a portion of their earnings to C-Tel Infosystems Pvt Ltd, the private agency implementing the system. He claimed this arrangement weakens small businesses, threatens jobs, and could encourage illegal sales and black marketing.
The spokesperson further alleged that the system lacks transparency and suggests possible corruption. He noted that the government has reportedly maintained the reduced excise margin policy despite observations from the High Court and the subsequent withdrawal of the matter from the Supreme Court. Rani said these developments create a perception that the government is disregarding judicial observations. He called for excise reforms that focus on public health and transparent governance rather than policies that allegedly favour connected entities at the expense of local stakeholders.
