- NET Web Desk
Revenue from the sale of liquor across the northeastern state of Meghalaya has hit a new peak, especially during the tough pandemic phase, informed the Minister for Revenue, Disaster, Social Welfare and Excise Department Kyrmen Shylla.
Amid the escalation of COVID-19 cases, and detection of 5 cases of “Omicron Variant” along the northeastern state, authorities have imposed fresh new restrictions to mitigate its grave impacts. Responding to the same, Shylla on Tuesday asserted that revenue collection in Meghalaya will be massively affected if lockdown is re-imposed, but the value of life is of utmost importance.
“Our concern is the health and safety of our people as this is more important than our revenue collection. No doubt, we require revenue to stabilize the economy of the state but whatever decision taken by the state government in as far as the COVID-19 restrictions are concerned, it is for the safety of the people of the state.” – shared the minister.
Addressing the mediapersons, Shylla stated, “No doubt if a lockdown will happen (again) in our state, our revenue collection will come down.”
“The revenue collection was stabilized through home delivery of liquor during the second lockdown,” – asserted the minister.
“(Although) it fluctuates from quarter to quarter and from year to year but most probably Rs 250 to Rs 300 crore revenue collections used to be there,” he said.
“At least something will be there with the home delivery (services) and protocols have to be strictly followed – that direction will come from the state if lockdown will take place,” he added.
He further urged the citizens to cooperate with the state government by strictly following COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour (CAB).