Queues after easing of restrictions, and a price hike in Delhi, are pointers to the importance of liquor source of revenue . How much does liquor contributes to states’ coffers, and which state earns how much ?   Following the easing of restrictions in the third phase of the nationwide lockdown, some of the most striking images on Monday showed long queues outside liquor stores around the country. By the evening, the Delhi govt. announced a 70% hike in the price of liquor across categories in the capital. How do states earn from liquor? Liquor contributes a considerable  amount to the exchequers of all states and union territories except Gujarat and Bihar, both of which have enforced prohibition. Generally , states levy exercise duty on manufacture and sale of liquor. Some states, for example Tamil Nadu,  also impose VAT (value added tax) states also charge special fees on imported foreign liquor ; transport fee ; and label & brand registration charges. A few ...

M ore than a month after the lockdown was imposed , migrant labourers across the country  are beginning to board the shramic special trains to return to their homes. While decision to allow special trains to their safe passage home is indeed welcome, asking the migrants - many have lost their jobs and don't  have the cushion to stay on in the city - to bear the cost of their evacuation during this period of acute financial distress is both unfair and short-sighted. Both the centre and state governments have repeatedly stressed on the need to alleviate the distress of the labourers. yet they also vacillate over who will bear the cost. This indecision could - and should - have been avoided. Fears that "free" rides might be taken advantage of are misplaced as only those who are desperate are travelling in these times and there is strict screening and vetting of passenger lists, a ticket should neither be seen as a charity nor freebie, the state government bear the cost. ...