Manipur State Beverages Corporation Limited Established

December 18, 2023

The Manipur Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Manipur State Beverages Corporation Limited (MSBCL), marking the end of a prohibition that lasted over 30 years. This decision legalizes the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in specific regions of the state.

Comprehensive Oversight for Alcohol Regulation

Under the purview of the finance minister, the MSBCL will operate with a board of directors comprising key secretaries from sectors such as finance, home affairs, health, education, rural development, and municipal governance. This comprehensive oversight aims to ensure a well-rounded approach to alcohol regulation, considering various facets of public health and socio-economic welfare.

Monitoring the Entire Production and Distribution Chain

The corporation is set to monitor the entire production and distribution chain of beverages, covering aspects such as manufacture, possession, purchase, sale, consumption, import-export, and transportation. This step is taken to ensure a regulated and transparent system.

Standardization and Licensing for Local Liquor

The MSBCL will oversee standardization and licensing for the production and sale of local liquor or Distilled Indigenous Country (DIC) Liquor. This emphasis on quality control and legal compliance is geared towards providing consumers with a safe and regulated choice.

New Age Limit and Strict Guidelines

The Cabinet has set the minimum age at 25 years for production, management of shops, sale, and consumption of alcohol, raising it from the previous age of 18 years. Strict guidelines are in place, prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol within a 100-meter radius of educational institutions, hospitals, and places of worship.

Specific Restrictions and Exemptions

Sales of alcohol are barred within 500 meters of National Highways, except in areas under municipal governance. The Gazette notification issued on December 6 lifted the ban from Greater Imphal, District Headquarters, tourist destinations, and registered hotels with a minimum of 20 rooms. The move follows Manipur’s designation as a ‘dry state’ in 1991, with exemptions for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities for traditional liquor brewing.

Addressing Health Concerns and Revenue Projections

The decision to lift the prohibition aims to address health concerns arising from unregulated liquor while projecting an expected annual revenue of over Rs 600 crore through regulated sales. However, groups like the Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) have raised concerns, prompting the formation of an expert committee by Chief Minister N Biren Singh to thoroughly examine the matter.

Revenue Allocation for Public Health and Welfare

A substantial portion of the revenue collected from beverage sales and VAT will be allocated towards public health and welfare measures, showcasing a concerted effort towards societal well-being. This underscores the government’s commitment to informed decision-making and addressing potential concerns raised by various stakeholders.

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