Vijayawada: Excise minister Kollu Ravindra directed officials to strengthen enforcement drives against belt shops and unauthorized outlets, ensuring strict compliance across all districts. He said that the govt’s efforts are yielding visible results as citizens are now actively participating in ensuring liquor quality through the Suraksha App. “The fight against illicit liquor must continue with the same momentum,” the minister said. He reviewed the departmental affairs with senior officials in the secretariat on Friday. He lauded the department’s proactive efforts in improving transparency and curbing illicit liquor trade across the state. The minister expressed satisfaction over the department’s performance and the encouraging public response to the AP excise suraksha app and the ongoing Navodayam 2.0 campaign. Principal secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena and director (prohibition and excise) Chamakuri Sridhar briefed the minister on the department’s key achievements. They reported that the AP excise suraksha app, launched to help consumers verify the authenticity of liquor, has received an overwhelming response. “The app recorded 1.69 lakh downloads on the Play Store, with 4,60,415 bottles scanned by the public for authentication by Oct 30. To enhance public awareness, the department distributed 1,000 pamphlets per retail outlet and displayed two awareness posters at every licensed shop and bar,” said Meena. He explained that retailers have been instructed to sell liquor only after scanning bottles through the app to ensure full transparency and consumer confidence. Director of enforcement, Rahul Dev Sharma told the minister on the progress of Navodayam 2.0, the state’s flagship programme to eradicate illicit (ID) liquor. He said that 25 districts have already been declared ID-free, while Kakinada district is expected to achieve the same status within the next fortnight. He also updated the Minister on the ongoing investigation into a recent spurious liquor racket, assuring that strict action is being taken against all those involved. Minister Kollu Ravindra appreciated the dedicated efforts of field officers and enforcement teams, instructing them to maintain momentum in protecting public health and ensuring lawful trade in liquor. He emphasized that both public awareness and technology-driven enforcement are crucial to sustaining transparency and accountability in the sector. The meeting was attended by with senior officials from the prohibition and excise department.
