Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 15: Excise Commissioner, Tsering Angchuk chaired a revenue review meeting of the department here today.
During the meeting status of overall growth of the revenue receipts of the department for the month of November and total revenue realized till the month of November for the financial year 2016-17 were discussed threadbare.
The meeting was informed that the revenue realization of the department is showing continuous growth in revenue targets fixed for the financial year 2016-17. Till November 2016-17, the department has realized an amount of Rs 846.13 crore as against Rs 762.31 crore for November 2015-16, registering a growth of 11 percent.
During the meeting, the Excise Commissioner appreciated the comprehensive drive launched by Eradication and Enforcement Wing of the department to arrest the menace of illegal smuggling of liquor, illicit distillation and other violations of the J&K Excise Act, 1958.
The meeting was informed that enforcement teams of different ranges have conducted 324 raids to curb the menace of illegal smuggling of liquor from other States, illicit distillation of liquor and other violations. In the process arrest of 23 persons has been made and cases have been lodged in various Courts of Law against the accused persons for illegal activities.
It was further informed that 18 tons of Lahan, meant for manufacturing illicit liquor, has also been destroyed in the entire Jammu Division by the excise sleuths and in the process 909 bottles of illicit liquor have also been destroyed on spot.
During the meeting, the Excise Commissioner exhorted the officers to review their respective wings and Excise Ranges in consultation with the stakeholders. He stressed for removing the bottlenecks and impediments to the growth and their timely removal. He directed the officers to conduct frequent field visits for maintaining round the clock vigil for revenue maximization.
All the Deputy Excise Commissioners and Excise and Taxation Officers were present in the meeting.