Amaravati: Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra has dismissed claims by opposition leaders that liquor prices in Andhra Pradesh have been hiked tenfold. Speaking to the media at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he clarified that the government has increased liquor prices by only ₹10 per bottle and ₹5 on some brands, as part of ARET (Additional Revenue Excise Tax) adjustments. This revision is expected to generate ₹100 crore to ₹150 crore in additional revenue for the state.
The minister emphasized that the liquor policy is being implemented transparently and warned against spreading misinformation. He accused the previous government of inflating liquor prices to ₹200 per bottle and allowing the sale of substandard brands and non-duty paid liquor. In contrast, he said the current administration is ensuring quality liquor at affordable rates, with some brands priced as low as ₹99.
Vigilance Report on Previous Irregularities
Minister Ravindra announced that a vigilance investigation into liquor-related irregularities under the previous government has been completed, and the report will be released soon. He alleged that corruption ran from lower to higher levels and that opposition leaders are attempting to deflect attention. Additionally, he revealed plans to implement the Navodayam program next week, aimed at achieving a “liquor-free Andhra Pradesh.”
