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Keep tight vigil to prevent liquor-related deaths in UP: Minister to officials

Anthony Hernandez - bharatmorningnews.com जुलाई 22, 2026

Foto : Anthony Hernandez - bharatmorningnews.com

Keep Tight Vigil to Prevent Liquor Deaths in UP: Minister's Directive Bharatmorningnews.com – Keep tight vigil to prevent liquor-related fatalities

Keep Tight Vigil to Prevent Liquor Deaths in UP: Minister’s Directive

Bharatmorningnews.com – Keep tight vigil to prevent liquor-related fatalities across Uttar Pradesh, the state’s excise and prohibition minister Nitin Agarwal has directed all senior officials. The minister, who currently holds independent charge of the excise portfolio, issued comprehensive instructions on Tuesday emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward unauthorized alcohol trade. With the festive season approaching, officials must ensure strict monitoring of both legal and illegal liquor operations throughout the state.

Record Revenue Collection Demonstrates Departmental Efficiency

During a high-level review session at the Sugarcane Institute Auditorium in Dalibagh, Lucknow, Minister Agarwal highlighted the Excise Department’s remarkable financial performance. The department collected ₹15,809.25 crore during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, spanning April through June. This represents an impressive 111.1% increase compared to ₹14,228.91 crore collected in the same period last year.

Looking at the extended period from April to July 2026, officials have already secured ₹18,655.23 crore against the cumulative target of ₹21,800 crore. This achievement accounts for 85.57% of the projected goal and marks a 100.39% rise over the corresponding timeframe in the previous year. The state administration has set an ambitious annual revenue objective of ₹71,278 crore for the Excise Department during FY 2026-27.

Zero Fatalities Achieved Through Consistent Monitoring

Highlighting the department’s dual accomplishments in revenue collection and public safety, Agarwal revealed that Uttar Pradesh has recorded no alcohol-related deaths over the past four-and-a-half years. This remarkable achievement has been directly attributed to the coordinated efforts and continuous watchfulness of department personnel across all districts.

The minister emphasized that maintaining this zero-fatality record requires sustained commitment from all levels of administration. Officials were instructed to implement rigorous measures against complaints of excessive pricing by vendors and distributors, ensuring fair pricing for consumers while preventing illicit operations.

Enhanced Surveillance in Critical Border Regions

Special attention was given to districts sharing boundaries with neighboring states, along with sensitive zones in Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and western Uttar Pradesh. These areas have historically been prone to smuggling and illegal liquor distribution. Officers were directed to guarantee that no untoward incidents resulting in fatalities from counterfeit or illegal liquor take place during the upcoming celebrations.

The minister stressed the importance of smooth cooperation between district administrations and law enforcement agencies. He further mandated prompt responses to all grievances concerning the distribution of illegal liquor and hooch. Any delays in addressing complaints would be viewed seriously.

Agarwal issued a clear warning regarding accountability for all officials involved in monitoring operations:

“Any laxity or negligence in this matter will not be tolerated.”

Officials have been asked to maintain detailed records of all inspections, seizures, and enforcement actions taken during the monitoring period. Regular progress reports must be submitted to ensure transparency and effectiveness in preventing liquor-related deaths across the state.