The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that there is no proposal under consideration to declare the Union Territory a dry UT, even as liquor sales have generated over ₹3,450 crore in revenue during the last three financial years.
In a written reply to Assembly Question tabled by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, as per news agency, the government said prohibition could lead to increased smuggling from neighbouring States and UTs, growth of illegal distillation, strengthening of liquor mafias, and serious public health risks.
It also warned of adverse effects on tourism, hospitality, transport and manufacturing sectors, besides loss of livelihoods for thousands of people associated with the liquor trade.
Jammu District Leads in Revenue Generation
In Jammu district, there were 140 wine shops and 84 bars in 2022–23, generating a revenue of ₹51,262.41 lakh. In 2023–24, the number increased to 151 wine shops and 93 bars, with revenue of ₹50,826.31 lakh. For 2024–25, the district had 153 wine shops and 97 bars, generating ₹52,292.83 lakh, the highest in the UT.
Kathua, Samba and Udhampur Show Consistent Growth
In Kathua, revenue stood at ₹12,367.06 lakh in 2022–23 with 28 wine shops and 33 bars. The figures for 2023–24 were ₹12,217.17 lakh from 33 wine shops and 36 bars, while in 2024–25, revenue rose to ₹12,694.98 lakh with 31 wine shops and 37 bars.
Samba district recorded revenue of ₹8,229.14 lakh in 2022–23, which increased to ₹9,825.74 lakh in 2023–24 and further to ₹10,299.42 lakh in 2024–25, with wine shops rising from 14 to 19 over the three years.
In Udhampur, revenue increased steadily from ₹10,777.00 lakh in 2022–23 to ₹12,410.00 lakh in 2023–24, and ₹12,987.50 lakh in 2024–25, supported by 26–28 wine shops and 22–25 bars.
Moderate Revenue in Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban
Reasi district generated ₹3,125.00 lakh in 2022–23, ₹3,375.00 lakh in 2023–24, and ₹3,450.50 lakh in 2024–25, with wine shops increasing from 6 to 11, though bars reduced to zero in the latest year.
In Doda, revenue remained stable at ₹2,545.01 lakh in 2022–23, ₹2,696.85 lakh in 2023–24, and ₹2,685.29 lakh in 2024–25, with 10 wine shops and 3 bars throughout.
Kishtwar recorded ₹1,216.76 lakh in 2022–23, rising to ₹1,731.39 lakh in 2023–24, and ₹1,964.09 lakh in 2024–25, while Ramban generated ₹2,722.86 lakh, ₹2,545.58 lakh, and ₹2,702.16 lakh respectively during the same period.
Rajouri Registers Sharp Spike in 2024–25
In Rajouri, revenue was ₹5,887.27 lakh in 2022–23 and ₹5,268.78 lakh in 2023–24, but saw a sharp jump to ₹15,232.04 lakh in 2024–25, with 18 wine shops and 25 bars.
Poonch generated ₹2,254.91 lakh in 2022–23, which dipped to ₹1,617.37 lakh in 2023–24, before slightly improving to ₹1,889.92 lakh in 2024–25.
Limited Presence in Kashmir Division
In the Kashmir division, Srinagar recorded ₹3,086.77 lakh in 2022–23, which more than doubled to ₹7,360.17 lakh in 2023–24 and increased further to ₹7,632.90 lakh in 2024–25, with 7 wine shops and 4 bars currently operational.
Anantnag generated ₹162.50 lakh in 2022–23, rising sharply to ₹1,403.50 lakh in 2023–24 and ₹1,999.95 lakh in 2024–25, despite having only two wine shops and no bars.
In Baramulla, revenue increased from ₹418.07 lakh in 2022–23 to ₹1,147.23 lakh in 2023–24, while ₹1,135.84 lakh was recorded in 2024–25. Ganderbal generated ₹170.14 lakh, ₹223.44 lakh, and ₹319.69 lakh respectively over the three years.
Kupwara had no liquor outlets in 2022–23, but recorded ₹415.66 lakh in 2023–24 and ₹442.96 lakh in 2024–25 with one wine shop.
The government further informed that Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora, Budgam and Kulgam had no bars or wine shops during the last three financial years.