This would mean that the death toll from alcohol consumption, which was calculated on the basis of revenue, could be much higher.
This would mean that the death toll from alcohol consumption, which was calculated on the basis of revenue, could be much higher.
PMK youth wing leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday said state finance minister PTR Palanivel Thiaga Rajan admitted that nearly 50% of excise duty on liquor is not being paid to the state government and cannot be ignored. and pointed out that this would mean that the number of people who died of alcohol consumption, which was calculated on the basis of revenue, could be much higher.
He said that this issue is not something that one can throw light on and sought clarification from the state government on the steps taken to deal with it. In a statement, Dr Anbumani said that if half the excise duty was not being paid from the sale of liquor, then the blame lies with Tasmac and not the private players.
“There are around 11 alcohol distilleries and seven beer breweries in Tamil Nadu. If 50% excise duty is not being paid, how is Tasmac allowing them to be supplied in-store? If bottles are being sold in Tasmac, who is taking the money? If they are not being sold in Tasmac, where are they sold? Are they being sold in the black market,” he asked.
Dr Anbumani said that based on the statement of the Finance Minister, there would have been a loss of around Rs 40,000 crore every year.
“While the state government is facing loss in tax revenue, it is also shocking to note the quantum of alcohol consumption in Tamil Nadu. The data says that about 1 lakh people die due to alcohol consumption, which is calculated on the basis of revenue from alcohol. If the books were not showing nearly half of alcohol sales, the total number would be closer to 2 lakh deaths. Liquor shops should be closed immediately,” said Dr Anbumani.