JAMMU, Feb 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that there is no proposal to open new wine shops in the Union Territory during the financial year 2026–27, even as excise revenue from existing outlets has continued to show a steady increase.
In a written reply to a question raised by National Conference MLA Arjun Singh Raju, the Finance Department clarified that no new JKEL-2 liquor licences are planned for the coming financial year. The reply sought to address concerns regarding expansion of liquor outlets while placing on record the revenue performance of existing wine shops across districts.
Sharing district-wise excise revenue figures for the last two financial years, the government said Jammu district has emerged as the highest contributor, registering a significant rise in collections. According to official data, Jammu generated ₹48,350.15 lakh in 2023–24, which increased to ₹50,913.93 lakh in 2024–25, placing it firmly at the top among all districts in the Union Territory.
Other districts in the Jammu division also recorded growth in excise earnings. Udhampur reported revenues of ₹11,322 lakh in 2023–24 and ₹12,061.50 lakh in 2024–25. Kathua followed with ₹10,653 lakh and ₹11,272 lakh, while Samba generated ₹9,138.06 lakh and ₹9,740.15 lakh during the same period. Reasi earned ₹3,371 lakh in 2023–24 and ₹3,450.50 lakh in 2024–25.
Doda recorded collections of ₹2,353.61 lakh and ₹2,448.17 lakh, Kishtwar ₹1,681.90 lakh and ₹1,887.59 lakh, Ramban ₹2,299.95 lakh and ₹2,476.70 lakh, Rajouri ₹4,806.19 lakh and ₹5,336.96 lakh, while Poonch reported ₹1,497.78 lakh and ₹1,768.92 lakh over the two years.
In the Kashmir division, Srinagar led excise revenue generation, registering ₹5,489.67 lakh in 2023–24, which rose to ₹6,557.66 lakh in 2024–25. Other districts also showed incremental growth. Ganderbal generated ₹223.45 lakh and ₹319.69 lakh, Baramulla ₹872.23 lakh and ₹1,139.84 lakh, Kupwara ₹415.66 lakh and ₹442.96 lakh, while Anantnag recorded ₹1,403.50 lakh in 2023–24, increasing sharply to ₹1,999.50 lakh in 2024–25.
Responding to concerns regarding alleged benami liquor licences, the government categorically stated that no such complaints have been received by the department. It clarified that all excise licences are issued strictly in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958, and the excise policies notified from time to time. The government further emphasised that licences are granted only to J&K domiciles, following due verification and legal procedures.
The official response indicates that while excise revenue remains an important source of income for the Union Territory, the government has opted for revenue consolidation rather than expansion, choosing not to increase the number of liquor outlets in the forthcoming financial year. The data also reflects a broad-based rise in collections across districts, with Jammu maintaining a clear lead in excise earnings.