Liquor prices in Kerala hiked marginally
The Hindu
Kerala liquor prices rise due to raw material costs, sales tax hike, and political controversy.
Liquor prices in Kerala increased marginally from Monday (January 27, 2025).
The price increase ranges from ₹10 to ₹50 per 750 ml bottle sold through government-owned liquor retail shops in the State.
Distilleries supplying Kerala had flagged an increase in the price of raw materials, chiefly molasses. They requested that the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco), a State-owned liquor retail monopoly, increase the procurement price.
The liquor companies argued that distilleries exporting liquor to Kerala from other regions did not face a turnover tax and demanded a level playing field.
The government refused to increase the procurement price of liquor but agreed to renounce the 5% turnover tax on liquor produced in Kerala.
However, the government hiked the sales tax on liquor by 4%. It also increased BEVCO’s warehouse margin by 1% to offset the revenue loss caused by the rollback of the turnover tax. The Kerala government currently imposes a prohibitive 251% sales tax on liquor retailing in the State.
In a statement, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan slammed the liquor price hike. He said unreasonably hiking liquor prices would upend family budgets and exacerbate the cost of living crisis. “The decision will reduce the amount of hard-earned money reaching the hands of homemakers. Moreover, prohibitive liquor prices will not reduce consumption”, he added.
“Earth Day celebrations have already started in Bengaluru, with campaigns at various colleges such as St. Josephs, and Christ University where life-size elephants made from the invasive species, Lantana Camera, have been travelling to spread the message of conservation and coexistence, along with expert talks from WWF India and Ravi Chellam of Metastring Foundation,” said the release.
Challenge BJP and RSS ideology with Left politics, socialism, and gender equality for exploitation-free society, says U. Vasuki.
Cafe Niloufer's largest tea café in India, located at Hitech City, offers a unique dining experience for over 700 guests.
Stakeholders advocate for collaborative efforts in implementing effective tobacco control policies to protect public health in India.
State government and Tasmac challenge ED searches at Madras High Court, alleging violation of federalism principles.
Centre slashes educational scheme allocations for Muslims, impacting literacy rates and sparking controversy over madrasa reforms.
Vijayawada and Vizag metro rails: Centre approves appointment of SYSTRA MVA Consulting for preparing mobility plans. The New Delhi-based consultant has emerged as the successful bidder for preparing CMPs for both the projects. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has sanctioned DPRs for construction of the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail for a length of 46.23 km in three corridors at an estimated cost of ₹11,498 crore and the Vijayawada Metro Rail for a length of 38.40 km in two corridors at a cost of ₹11,009 crore.
Commuters demand action to regulate excessive parking fees at Pudukkottai two-wheeler parking lot near bus stand.
Budget is progressive for minorities: Shabbir Ali
At 5 p.m. on March 20, if you happen to be on the Poonamallee Bypass, look up, and you will witness the trial run of Chennai Metro Rail’s three-coach train. This will be the first time the train travels on the viaduct from Poonamallee Bypass to Mullaithottam, a distance of about 2.5 km.
Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara distributes orders for operating mini-buses on 39 routes in the district under new scheme.
District Collector aims to increase Aavin's milk procurement to 70,000 litres daily by forming milk cooperative societies in villages.
Join CUK's Department of Public Administration for a national seminar on Indigenous Administrative Practices in India.