Funds from 2% liquor cess to benefit disabled

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22

The Department of Excise is likely to impose two percent cess on Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL). The funds generated would be given to the Department of Social welfare for initiating activities for persons with disabilities. 

The move has been proposed by the Department of Social welfare, which wants to create a corpus fund for the purpose. 

Two corpus funds — Kishore Nyaya Nidhi and Mahila Surakasha Nidhi — have already been set up for the benefit of women and children. Now, the Social Welfare Department, which is grappling with paucity of funds, has approached the Department of Excise for help. 

Dr Ranbir Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Excise, said, “We have held discussions on the issue today and now the modus of tax collection is being worked out. The proposal will be brought before the Cabinet and then a government order will be issued.”

The state government had imposed two percent cess on liquor in the aftermath of the 2013 natural disaster. The funds collected by the department were used for the welfare of the flash flood victims.