Bengaluru: Allowing sale of liquor, as a lockdown relaxation measure, in Karnataka has turned out to be a blessing for the cash-starved state, which recorded total sales of ₹2146.48 crore since 5 May.
The excise revenue is ₹1387.20 crore, according to information by the department. The money comes in at a time when the state is reeling under an acute fund crunch due to reduction in share of central taxes and the economic uncertainty that came with the covid-19 induced nationwide lockdown.
The fund crunch in Karnataka had forced B.S.Yediyurappa-led state government to hike duty on liquor by 17-25%, among other key decisions to shore up revenues and make up for the shortfall to help revive the state’s fledgling economy.