The state government’s decision to set up a five-member committee to increase excise revenue has drawn flak from the Opposition, which claimed that the government is doing so to arrange funds for the Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme.
The Maharashtra home department, under whose purview the state excise falls, through a government resolution issued on Thursday, set up a five-member committee to suggest measures to increase excise revenue. It is to be headed by Additional Chief Secretary (housing) and will have ACS (finance), ACS (excise), Commissioner (State GST). The Excise Commissioner will be the member secretary to the committee.
The committee will study better practices and policies for increasing the tax collection and make suggestions to the state government.
“The ruling alliance grabbed votes during the Maharashtra Assembly elections by floating the Ladki Bahin Yojana. Now, it is struggling to find ways to increase revenue. On one hand, women are being given money by calling them sisters, on the other men are being encouraged to drink more to earn revenue,” said Maharashtra Congress general secretary Sachin Sawant.
“The government is spreading alcoholism and is going to destroy houses. Instead of selling alcohol, the government should focus on reducing corruption, which will earn them earn more revenue,” he said.
Despite a pre-poll promise of increasing financial allotment under the Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme from Rs 1500 to Rs 2100 per month, the financial constraints are stopping the state government from making the announcement.
Meanwhile, NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad on Friday said the Opposition will not allow the government to cancel the scheme. “If you dare to do that, we will storm the Mantralaya with our sisters and force the government to change the decision,” he said.