Political India: Engaging America

From The Hindu

CHENNAI: A range of policy initiatives for upgrading the efforts of the Narcotics Intelligence Bureau (NIB) were outlined on Friday. Also, while alcohol production and revenue had increased, the State government emphasised its commitment to curbing the sale and transportation of illicit liquor.

In the context of an increase in the number of drug offenders detained in 2008 from the previous year, the Home, Prohibition and Excise Department said that “intensive raids will be conducted in railway stations, bus stands and near schools and colleges.”

Balancing the focus on raids with plans to spread awareness of narcotics issues, the proposed plan of action for 2009-10 says, “At least one programme per month will be conducted in a school in consultation with the Prohibition and Excise Department.” Addressing the issue of ganja, plans were announced for the coming year to prevent, in coordination with the Forest Department, the cultivation of ganja plants in Tamil Nadu. Steps would be taken to address the issue of “heavy influx of ganja from Andhra Pradesh by road and train.”

The production of Indian Made Foreign Spirits and beer increased to 48.19 crore bulk litres during 2008-09 from 42.82 CBL the previous year.

Revenue from this sector, including excise revenue and sales tax, increased to Rs.10601.5 crore in 2008-09, up from Rs. 8821.16 crore during the previous year.

Labels: Assemby, excise, ganja, illicit liquor, Narcotics Intelligence Bureau, Tamil Nadu

# posted by Narayan Lakshman @ 7:42 PM