Unequal Pour: Domestic Alcohol Brands Challenge Bias in State Excise Policies
Indian spirit makers, through CIABC, allege state excise policies unfairly favor imported alcohol over domestic brands. They claim high fees and taxes on local products disadvantage them, potentially breaching Modi's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. This bias, most notable in states like Maharashtra, impacts competitiveness and state revenue.
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Indian spirit manufacturers have raised significant concerns, alleging discrimination under certain state excise policies they believe favor imported alcoholic beverages over domestic brands. This perceived bias, according to the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), is harming local producers despite their global recognition.
The CIABC, as the leading industry body for Indian alcoholic beverage companies, has reached out to multiple state governments, highlighting anomalies that place local manufacturers at a disadvantage compared to foreign brands. The disparity is reportedly most pronounced in states with large alcohol consumption, such as Maharashtra and Delhi.
CIABC's critique aligns with their broader issue of lower duties for imported products, especially with new trade agreements potentially reducing tariffs. These policies, the CIABC argues, contradict the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' ethos, calling for equal ground for domestic brands to compete efficiently.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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