The Meghalaya Excise Act (Eastern Bengal and Assam Excise Act 1910) is the principal legislation governing the production, manufacture, possession, transport, purchase and sale of intoxicating liquors, the levy of Excise duties and countervailing duties of alcoholic liquors for human consumption. The Act is in force in the entire State of Meghalaya.
In addition to the Meghalaya Excise Act, other Acts and orders specified below are administered by the Excise Department and enforced by the Directorate of Excise.
- The Meghalaya Opium Prohibition Act (Assam Opium Prohibition Act, 1957).
- The Meghalaya Ganja and Bhang Prohibition Act (Assam and Ganja and Bhang Prohibition Act, 1952).
- The Medicinal and Toilet preparation (E.D.) Act, 1955 and Rules there under (Central).
- The Molasses Control Order, 1961 (Central).
- The Ethyl Alcohol Price Control Order, 1972, (Central Act).
- The Dangerous Drugs and Rules there-under (Central Act).
The Directorate of Excise is responsible for implementing the excise laws in Meghalaya. It regulates the production, distribution, transport, sale, and possession of intoxicating liquors and narcotic substances. The department also ensures the collection of revenue through the enforcement of various laws and orders related to excise duties.
The Directorate of Excise is responsible for implementing the excise laws in Meghalaya. It regulates the production, distribution, transport, sale, and possession of intoxicating liquors and narcotic substances. The department also ensures the collection of revenue through the enforcement of various laws and orders related to excise duties.
The Directorate’s Enforcement Wing focuses on:
- Preventing illicit distillation and smuggling of liquor
- Monitoring illegal cultivation of banned substances
- Intelligence gathering to detect excise-related crimes
The Directorate examines proposals for the grant of liquor licenses and settlement of country spirit shops. Upon approval by the Excise, Registration, and Taxation Department, licenses are issued by Deputy Commissioners.
The Directorate also supervises the import of industrial and potable spirits through the State and Central Warehouse at Mendipathar.
The Commissioner of Excise manages the posting and transfers of officers and oversees the enforcement and administrative operations of the department.
