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Business
Meghalaya raises excise duties, aims for Rs 150 crore extra revenue
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 17 Sep 2026, 04:36 AM
👁 8
The Meghalaya government has increased excise rates on alcohol and tobacco, projecting an additional revenue of about Rs 150 crore for the fiscal year.
The state cabinet of Meghalaya approved a hike in excise duties on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, citing the need to boost the treasury. The revised rates are expected to generate roughly Rs 150 crore more than the previous fiscal year's collections.
Finance officials said the additional revenue will support ongoing development projects and help bridge the state's fiscal deficit. The increase aligns with similar moves by other northeastern states aiming to strengthen their fiscal positions.
Industry representatives expressed concern that higher taxes could affect demand, but the government maintained that the measure balances revenue goals with public health considerations.
The excise department will implement the new rates from the start of the next financial quarter, and compliance checks will be intensified across licensed outlets.
Finance officials said the additional revenue will support ongoing development projects and help bridge the state's fiscal deficit. The increase aligns with similar moves by other northeastern states aiming to strengthen their fiscal positions.
Industry representatives expressed concern that higher taxes could affect demand, but the government maintained that the measure balances revenue goals with public health considerations.
The excise department will implement the new rates from the start of the next financial quarter, and compliance checks will be intensified across licensed outlets.