Chandigarh, April 22, 2020: Pointing to the critical fiscal situation of the state, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has sought the Centre’s permission to allow sale of liquor, in a phased manner, to mop up VAT and Excise revenue.
The Ministry of Home, Government of India, should “allow the state to take a conscious decision to allow the sale of liquor in certain areas in a phased manner with strict social distancing and other measures to prevent COVID-19,” he said.
This, said Captain Amarinder, would help the state immensely in its efforts to scale up the relief and health care measures to combat COVID-19 and meet some, if not all, of its committed liabilities and other day-to-day expenses.
The Chief Minister requested the Home Minister for early action, while assuring him of the State's full and continued support in the efforts of the Government of India to overcome the present crisis by effectively managing and containing the COVID-19.
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