Shillong, 28: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday said revenue generated by the Excise Department helps save lives and educate children, as he inaugurated its new Rs 14.55 crore office building at Lower Lachaumiere.
Sangma said the department, which operated from temporary structures for over 50 years, has seen revenue grow from Rs 180 crore eight years ago to over Rs 500 crore now.
He said the government has approved merging VAT on liquor into Excise Duty by amending the MVAT Act, a reform expected to further boost revenue. The department has potential to cross Rs 1000 crore, he said.
Sangma said the revenue funds schools, hospitals and safe motherhood programmes. He urged officers and staff of the department not to undermine the impact of their work.
The new building houses the laboratory, Enforcement Wing, Integrated Excise Management System and Commissioner office in one campus, easing the interface for licensees.
Excise Minister Brening A Sangma and Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P Ahammed were present.
