Prayagraj: The remarkable transformation of Uttar Pradesh’s excise administration over the past decade was the focus of an insightful knowledge session delivered by Dr. Jogendera Singh, Former Joint Director, U.P. Excise, during BOHO Presents UP Liquor Retail Awards 2026, organised by Aabkari Times in Prayagraj.
Addressing an audience comprising excise officials, liquor retailers, industry representatives and trade stakeholders, Dr. Singh presented an overview of the state’s excise reforms from 2017 to 2026, highlighting how a combination of progressive policy decisions, technology adoption and regulatory reforms has reshaped Uttar Pradesh’s alco-beverage ecosystem.
One of the most significant achievements highlighted during the presentation was the state’s excise revenue growth. U.P’s annual excise receipts have increased from ₹14,273 crore in 2016-17 to ₹57,722 crore in 2025-26, reflecting more than a four-fold increase over nine years. He noted that this sustained growth has been supported by transparent policies, procedural simplification, stronger enforcement and continuous reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
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Dr. Singh also showcased the rapid expansion of the state’s alco-beverage infrastructure. The number of distilleries has grown from 61 to 101, bars from 422 to 930, while Uttar Pradesh now has 40 microbreweries and 65 premium liquor retail outlets, demonstrating the sector’s increasing diversification and investment potential. Alcohol production capacity has expanded from 170.07 crore litres to 461.62 crore litres, while ethanol production has increased from 42.69 crore litres to 177.23 crore litres, underlining the state’s emergence as a major manufacturing hub.
Highlighting the role of technology in governance, Dr. Singh discussed the implementation of barcode-based tracking, GPS-enabled movement of spirit and alcohol, CCTV surveillance, online licensing and permit systems, digital fee payments and the Integrated Excise Supply Chain Management System (IESCMS). These initiatives, he said, have strengthened transparency, improved regulatory oversight and enhanced operational efficiency across the excise value chain. He further noted that Uttar Pradesh’s reform-oriented approach has drawn national attention, with officials from several states visiting the state to study its excise policy framework and best practices.
The session concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the future of India’s alco-beverage industry, where Dr. Singh emphasised the need for continued policy innovation, rationalised taxation, export promotion, premiumisation and stronger collaboration between government and industry. His presentation emerged as one of the key highlights of BOHO Presents UP Liquor Retail Awards 2026, offering delegates valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Uttar Pradesh’s excise administration and the opportunities that lie ahead.
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