GPS technology to keep track on excise vigilance

Govt intends to make State hooch and illicit liquor free: Minister

Addressing a news conference, he said the excise department has identified a few geographical units which are vulnerable to illicit liquor and hooch brewing.

The excise officials ought to have a regular inspection of these areas visiting the sensitive points on the geographical area. The installation of GPS system on the surveillance vehicles would ensure proper check on illegal brewing, he said.

The officials would also be provided with wireless system as communication between the central office and the remote and interior areas became a difficult task, Renukacharya said.

“Government intends to make the state hooch and illicit liquor free. Though, about 1,140 units are closed, there are few units which have become activated. We are closely monitoring these units to nip them in the budding stage. The government will hold talks with neighbouring states like Goa, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to prevent entry of toddy and other cheap forms of liquor,” he added.

Pistols

Recalling the incident where hooch brewers gang attacked excise officers during a recent raid, he said the government has decided to arm officers above inspector rank with pistols to handle adversaries. Excise department will procure the arms through police department, he disclosed. He rubbished reports that he joined the officials in the raid to seek publicity. “It was to get a first hand experience of ground realities and boost morale of my officers,” the minister stated.

Revenue

He said the excise department mobilised a revenue of ` 8,314 crore in the year 2010-11 and has set a target of ` 9,200 crore for the current fiscal.

The first four months of 2011-12 has brought a total revenue of ` 2,704 crore till July 10 as against ` 2,382.21 crore in the corresponding period last year.

On using beet root in brewing industry, he said the technical committee constituted to look into the subject submitted its final report to the government. The report is positive about usage of beet root. It would benefit farmers, liquor sector, sugar industry and for ethanol use in petroleum products.

The move would help in brewing more liquor to meet high demand in coming days, he said.

Commissioner of excise Aravind Jannu, joint commissioner Vishwaroopa and others were present.

No mid-term polls

Minister Renukacharya has ruled out mid-term polls in the State. Talking to reporters on Monday, he rubbished media reports that chief minister Yeddyurappa would dissolve the assembly.  “The government will complete its full term in office. We have people’s mandate. There is two years left for the BJP. The party will bounce back to power for the second term,” he said. JD(S) and Congress are involved in propaganda on the issue, he replied to a query.