In the first seven months of the current fiscal year, the Telangana Excise Department has achieved only 43% of its total revenue target. The department has collected ₹10,921 crore against the projected ₹25,617 crore. By comparison, in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, the department had achieved 69% of its target. This indicates that Telangana Excise may fall short of meeting its 100% revenue goal for this fiscal year.
Senior excise officials attribute the slowdown to the previous fiscal’s high earnings, which were bolstered by the auction of liquor shops and bars—an event conducted every alternate year that generates significant revenue. They also noted the possibility of inflated budget estimates for “State Excise Duties,” which could explain the lower-than-expected revenue figures. However, officials remain optimistic, stating, “Excise revenue is unlikely to decline significantly despite the current slowdown.”
Meanwhile, the Telangana government has been delaying the approval of brand registrations for over 100 new liquor brands for the past six months. Currently, more than 1,000 liquor brands, including premium spirits and beer, are available in the Telangana market.
Despite pending dues of nearly ₹3,000 crore owed by the Telangana State Beverages Corporation Limited (TSBCL) to companies, many brand owners remain eager to launch new products in the state. According to TSBCL sources, while delayed payments are not uncommon, the prolonged approval process for new brands is unprecedented. These delays in brand registrations and rate approvals have persisted since the era of the erstwhile Congress government and continue under the current administration.
Interestingly, while the Telangana government struggles to meet its revenue targets, it is holding back over 100 new brand registrations. Approving these registrations could generate substantial revenue through brand and label registration fees, excise duty, import duty, VAT, and more.
