The Biz Reporter
Jammu, February 7: — Srinagar has emerged as the highest liquor-consuming district in Kashmir division, generating Rs 6,557.66 lakh in revenue during 2024–25, even as the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced there will be no new wine shops opened in the Union Territory during the financial year 2026–27.
District-Wise Liquor Consumption Revealed
In a written reply to a question raised by National Conference MLA Arjun Singh Raju, the Finance Department informed the Legislative Assembly about district-wise revenue generated from existing wine shops over the last two financial years, revealing consumption patterns across the region.
Kashmir Division:
Srinagar recorded the highest liquor revenue in Kashmir, generating Rs 5,489.67 lakh in 2023–24, which jumped significantly to Rs 6,557.66 lakh in 2024–25—marking a substantial 19.4% increase.
Anantnag emerged as the second-highest revenue generator with Rs 1,403.50 lakh in 2023–24, rising to Rs 1,999.50 lakh in 2024–25, showing notable growth of over 42%.
Baramulla recorded Rs 872.23 lakh and Rs 1,139.84 lakh, while Kupwara generated Rs 415.66 lakh and Rs 442.96 lakh during the two financial years. Ganderbal reported the lowest figures in Kashmir division with Rs 223.45 lakh and Rs 319.69 lakh respectively.
Jammu Division:
Jammu district topped the Union Territory’s overall list, generating Rs 48,350.15 lakh in 2023–24, which increased to Rs 50,913.93 lakh in 2024–25—dwarfing all other districts in revenue collection.
Udhampur recorded Rs 11,322 lakh and Rs 12,061.50 lakh respectively, while Kathua earned Rs 10,653 lakh in 2023–24 and Rs 11,272 lakh in 2024–25. Samba reported Rs 9,138.06 lakh and Rs 9,740.15 lakh during the same period.
Rajouri recorded Rs 4,806.19 lakh and Rs 5,336.96 lakh, Reasi reported Rs 3,371 lakh and Rs 3,450.50 lakh, while Doda generated Rs 2,353.61 lakh and Rs 2,448.17 lakh.
Ramban reported Rs 2,299.95 lakh in 2023–24, rising to Rs 2,476.70 lakh in 2024–25. Kishtwar brought in Rs 1,681.90 lakh and Rs 1,887.59 lakh, while Poonch generated Rs 1,497.78 lakh and Rs 1,768.92 lakh over the two years.
No New JKEL-2 Licenses This Year
The Finance Department informed the House that no new JKEL-2 liquor licenses are planned for the upcoming financial year 2026–27, suggesting the Government is maintaining the status quo on liquor retail infrastructure.
No Complaints of Benami Licenses
Addressing concerns raised about alleged benami liquor licenses—where licenses are reportedly obtained in the names of locals but operated by outsiders—the Government stated it has received no such complaints.
“All licenses are issued strictly to J&K domiciles under the Excise Act, 1958, and the excise policies notified periodically,” the Finance Department clarified in its written response to the Assembly.
Growing Revenue Despite Social Sensitivities
The overall revenue trend indicates growing collections from the excise sector across both divisions, with Kashmir division showing particularly sharp growth percentages despite social and religious sensitivities associated with alcohol consumption in the region.
The excise revenue remains a major contributor to the UT’s non-tax revenue, with consistent year-on-year growth across nearly all districts.
