Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Excise Department has achieved a remarkable milestone in revenue collection and enforcement during the financial year 2025-26, setting a new benchmark for the state. According to Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Excise, Nitin Agarwal, the department not only surpassed its revenue targets but also intensified its crackdown on illicit liquor and narcotic substances across the state.
The minister informed that the Excise Department generated a total revenue of ₹57,722.26 crore up to March 2026 in FY 2025-26. This represents an increase of ₹5,149.19 crore, or 9.79 percent, over the corresponding revenue of ₹52,573.07 crore collected during FY 2024-25.
The department also began FY 2026-27 on a strong note. In April 2026, excise revenue collection reached ₹5,248.06 crore, exceeding the corresponding figure of ₹4,319.46 crore in April 2025 by 21.50 percent, or ₹928.60 crore. The collection also surpassed the monthly target of ₹5,200 crore by 0.92 percent.
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Strong Enforcement Against Illicit Liquor
The Excise Department continued its statewide campaign against illegal liquor and narcotic substances throughout FY 2025-26. Up to March 2026, authorities registered 1,18,978 cases related to excise violations.
During the enforcement drive:
- 30.94 lakh litres of illicit liquor and intoxicating substances were seized.
- 21,446 persons were arrested.
- 3,967 accused were sent to jail.
- 152 vehicles used in illegal transportation and smuggling activities were confiscated.
The crackdown remained active in April 2026 as well. During the month:
- 9,535 cases were registered.
- 2.55 lakh litres of illicit liquor were seized.
- 1,516 persons were arrested.
- 214 offenders were sent to jail.
- Eight vehicles involved in illegal transportation were confiscated.
Officials stated that stringent monitoring, continuous enforcement actions, and tighter control over illicit trade have played a key role in enhancing revenue collection while curbing illegal liquor activities across the state.
Monthly Revenue Targets for FY 2026-27
The Uttar Pradesh Excise Department has fixed a total revenue target of ₹71,278 crore for FY 2026-27. The month-wise targets are as follows:
| Month | Revenue Target (₹ Crore) |
| April | 5,200 |
| May | 6,000 |
| June | 5,300 |
| July | 5,300 |
| August | 5,000 |
| September | 5,000 |
| October | 5,500 |
| November | 5,800 |
| December | 5,800 |
| January | 11,000 |
| February | 5,600 |
| March | 5,778 |
| Total | 71,278 |
Notably, January 2027 has been assigned the highest monthly target of ₹11,000 crore, reflecting the traditionally strong excise collections during the peak festive and wedding season.
Department officials expressed confidence that stricter enforcement against illicit liquor, greater transparency in licensing procedures, and enhanced digital monitoring systems will help achieve the ambitious revenue target. They added that these measures are expected not only to improve compliance but also to drive sustained growth in excise revenue during FY 2026-27.
“Revenue Growth and Enforcement Go Hand in Hand”
The department believes that its dual strategy of maximizing legitimate revenue while aggressively targeting illegal liquor operations will continue to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s excise administration and contribute significantly to the state’s finances in the coming year Top of Form
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