The Directorate of Excise, Government of Meghalaya, is responsible for the administration and enforcement of excise laws in the state. The department regulates the production, distribution, transport, sale, and possession of intoxicating liquors and narcotic substances, while also ensuring efficient revenue collection through the enforcement of excise duties and related regulations.
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 Meghalaya Excise Act (based on the Eastern Bengal and Assam Excise Act, 1910) governs:
- Production and manufacture of intoxicating liquors
- Possession, transport, purchase, and sale of liquor
- Levy and collection of excise duties
- Countervailing duties on alcohol for human consumption
The Directorate also enforces the following legislations:
- The Meghalaya Opium Prohibition Act (Assam Opium Prohibition Act, 1957)
- The Meghalaya Ganja and Bhang Prohibition Act (Assam Ganja and Bhang Prohibition Act, 1952)
- The Medicinal and Toilet Preparations (Excise Duties) Act, 1955
- The Molasses Control Order, 1961
- The Ethyl Alcohol Price Control Order, 1972
- The Dangerous Drugs Act and its rules
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.
