Open Wine Shops To Check Lack Of Revenue In Lockdown: Raj to Uddhav

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday written to brother and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray rapid depreciation of the state treasury, saying that this coronovirus COVID-19 is an urgent need for inflows in the midst of lockdown.

The MNS chief suggested keeping liquor shops open so that revenue is not lost and it can be used for welfare purposes. He said that the limit of excise duty arising for the state for liquor is Rs 41.66 crore per day, Rs 1,250 crore monthly and Rs 14,000 crore annually.

In a Facebook post, Thackeray said, “How long will this lockdown phase keep getting extended cannot be ascertained. In such times, by the opening of wine shops, the state will start getting a bit of revenue flow. There is no harm in keeping this option open. By keeping the wine shop open, doesn’t mean we are trying to cater to the needs or looking after the alcohol consumers. The only reason behind this is to start the process of income flow into the shrinking revenue of our state.”

“The petrol pumps are nearly closed. The businesses surrounding land and immovable assets are shut down. The excise duty that is generated for the state via liquor duty tantamounts to 41.66 crores daily, 1250 crores monthly and 14000 crores yearly. Keeping the lockdown phase in mind of nearly 35 days till now and the extensions that might happen; one can take into consideration the loss of revenue from this sector and the loss that might happen in future too,” he said.

Thackeray went on saying, “The police force and the health care staff are not getting the PPE kits, the free meal service for the people and other necessary requirements are not being met with. The state government is struggling against all odds and with very limited resources. Keeping this dismal scenario in mind, it’s imperative that the revenue that will be generated by the sale from wine shops will begin the required revenue inflow process. Our state is in a crisis and this is much needed.”

He also suggested keeping restaurants open as they are not just a pleasurable entity in Mumbai and other cities but a necessity. Since last 35 days, the restaurants and canteens in Maharashtra have been closed, he said. “This closure is a huge loss not only to the hotel and restaurant industry but also to their employees. It has also hit the regular citizens,” he added.

“There are so many low budget small restaurants, canteens, wherein one has access to the affordable and humble ‘rice plate’. It is imperative that such outlets and restaurants be allowed to function. The number of such low budget restaurants and canteens is huge as they serve to a large number of population and are very affordable,” he said.

“Apart from this, the other essential commodity services like vegetables, fruits, milk, bakery and general stores need to start functioning. They are open and available in some areas but there is a lack of organised coordination. By starting the functioning of these services and organising them better, the state needs to activate and energise its economic cycle,” he added.

“To face this corona pandemic, the citizens will cooperate but the government too needs to ensure a decent and liveable life to its citizens in return. This issue is not just pertaining to the Maharashtra state, but all other states should take note of this fact too. Whenever the assistance is to come from the centre and how much will it be, cannot be ascertained,” Raj Thackeray concluded.

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