The Andhra Pradesh state cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has greenlighted a new liquor policy. The policy will come into effect from October 1, 2024.
The new policy departs from previous regulations by focusing on quality, affordability, and the private sector’s involvement.
New Liquor Policy
Affordability and Quality
The new policy aims to ensure that quality liquor is available at reasonable prices, with an average price point set at ₹99. This move is intended to curb the consumption of substandard liquor, which has been linked to health issues, including a significant rise in kidney and liver-related cases over the past five years.
Private Sector Involvement
The policy shifts the retail business from government control to the private sector. This includes allocating 3,396 retail outlets through a lottery system, aiming to democratize access to liquor sales.
Health and Social Impact
Ministers highlighted the previous government’s policy as detrimental, leading to an increase in ganja and drug use due to high liquor prices. The new approach is expected to reduce these social issues by providing better quality liquor at more accessible prices.
Criticism of Previous Policies
The cabinet’s decision was accompanied by sharp criticism of the former YSR Congress Party government’s liquor policy, which was accused of corruption and promoting substandard liquor, leading to health crises and increased widow pensions due to liquor-related deaths.
Other decisions taken in the cabinet meeting
Employment Opportunities
The cabinet also approved filling various vacant posts across multiple sectors, which is anticipated to bolster employment opportunities within the state.
Community Engagement
A new system for volunteers to enhance community engagement and support was also on the agenda, though specifics on this initiative were not detailed in the cabinet meeting.