JAMMU: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday informed the House that there is no proposal to open new JKEL-2 liquor licenses during the financial year 2026–27.
Replying to Starred Assembly Question No. 283 tabled by MLA Arjun Singh Raju, the Finance Department, said that at present there is no plan to expand the number of wine shops across the Union Territory.
The department, however, shared district-wise revenue figures generated from existing wine shops for the last two financial years — 2023–24 and 2024–25 — revealing that Jammu district continues to contribute the highest excise revenue overall, while Srinagar leads among districts in the Kashmir Valley.
According to the official data, Jammu district generated ₹48,350.15 lakh in 2023–24, which increased to ₹50,913.93 lakh in 2024–25, marking the highest revenue collection in the UT.
In Jammu division, Udhampur recorded ₹11,322.00 lakh in 2023–24 and ₹12,061.50 lakh in 2024–25. Kathua generated ₹10,653.00 lakh, rising to ₹11,272.00 lakh, while Samba reported ₹9,138.06 lakh, increasing to ₹9,740.15 lakh during the same period.
Other districts in the division also showed growth. Rajouri’s revenue rose from ₹4,806.19 lakh to ₹5,336.96 lakh, Reasi from ₹3,371.00 lakh to ₹3,450.50 lakh, Doda from ₹2,353.61 lakh to ₹2,448.17 lakh, Kishtwar from ₹1,681.90 lakh to ₹1,887.59 lakh, Ramban from ₹2,299.95 lakh to ₹2,476.70 lakh, and Poonch from ₹1,497.78 lakh to ₹1,768.92 lakh.
In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar emerged as the highest revenue-generating district. The summer capital recorded ₹5,489.67 lakh in 2023–24, which increased to ₹6,557.66 lakh in 2024–25.
Anantnag generated ₹1,403.50 lakh in 2023–24 and ₹1,999.50 lakh in 2024–25. Baramulla’s revenue rose from ₹872.23 lakh to ₹1,139.84 lakh, Kupwara from ₹415.66 lakh to ₹442.96 lakh, and Ganderbal from ₹223.45 lakh to ₹319.69 lakh.
The figures indicate an overall upward trend in excise revenue across all districts during 2024–25 as compared to the previous financial year.
Responding to a separate query regarding alleged issuance of benami liquor licenses, the Finance Department stated that no such complaints have been received. It clarified that all licenses are issued to domiciles of Jammu and Kashmir strictly in accordance with the Excise Act, 1958 and the Excise Policy notified from time to time. (KDC)
