No Proposal to Open New Wine Shops in J&K in 2026-27: Government

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday informed that there is no proposal to open new wine shops in the Union Territory during the financial year 2026-27.

In a written reply to a query raised by MLA Arjun Singh Raju, the Finance Department informed the House that no new liquor licences are planned for the upcoming fiscal year.

The government also tabled district-wise revenue figures from existing wine shops for the past two financial years, indicating a steady increase in collections across most districts.

According to the data, Jammu district generated ₹48,350.15 lakh in 2023-24, which rose to ₹50,913.93 lakh in 2024-25. Udhampur recorded revenues of ₹11,322 lakh and ₹12,061.50 lakh during the same period, while Reasi reported ₹3,371 lakh and ₹3,450.50 lakh.

Kathua earned ₹10,653 lakh in 2023-24 and ₹11,272 lakh in 2024-25, while Samba reported ₹9,138.06 lakh and ₹9,740.15 lakh. Doda generated ₹2,353.61 lakh and ₹2,448.17 lakh, and Kishtwar contributed ₹1,681.90 lakh and ₹1,887.59 lakh.

Ramban recorded revenues of ₹2,299.95 lakh in 2023-24 and ₹2,476.70 lakh in 2024-25, Rajouri ₹4,806.19 lakh and ₹5,336.96 lakh, and Poonch ₹1,497.78 lakh and ₹1,768.92 lakh.

In the Kashmir division, Srinagar generated ₹5,489.67 lakh in 2023-24, rising to ₹6,557.66 lakh in 2024-25. Ganderbal reported ₹223.45 lakh and ₹319.69 lakh, Baramulla ₹872.23 lakh and ₹1,139.84 lakh, Kupwara ₹415.66 lakh and ₹442.96 lakh, and Anantnag ₹1,403.50 lakh and ₹1,999.50 lakh, respectively.

Responding to concerns over alleged benami liquor licences, the government said it has received no such complaints. It maintained that all licences are issued strictly to J&K domiciles in accordance with the Excise Act, 1958, and the excise policies notified from time to time.