Mail News Service
Ranchi, Jan 2: Jharkhand witnessed a record-breaking surge in liquor sales during the New Year celebrations, with a staggering Rs 60 crore worth of alcohol sold across the state between December 30, 2024, and January 1, 2025. This marks one of the highest festive sales in recent years, reflecting the exuberant spirit of the celebrations.
December 31 Leads the Festivities
The pinnacle of the celebrations was December 31, when liquor sales reached Rs 27.52 crore, marking the highest single-day revenue during the festive period. On December 30, sales amounted to Rs 14.58 crore, and January 1 saw sales of Rs 18–19 crore, though official figures for the final day are yet to be released.
This year’s December 31 sales were Rs 3.50 crore higher than those recorded on the same day in 2023, showcasing a significant increase in consumer spending on liquor. An Excise Department official noted, “The enthusiasm for the New Year celebrations is clearly visible in these numbers. People indulged in celebrations like never before.”
Ranchi tops sales, other districts follow
The capital city of Ranchi emerged as the highest liquor-consuming district, recording Rs 5.10 crore in sales on December 31 alone, breaking its previous record of Rs 4.62 crore for single-day sales. Over the two festive days of December 31 and January 1, Ranchi residents spent more than Rs 8 crore on liquor.
East Singhbhum, Hazaribagh, and Seraikela followed Ranchi, with each of these districts recording over Rs 2 crore in sales on December 31. Districts like Dhanbad, Ramgarh, and Deoghar also showed strong numbers, each reporting liquor sales above Rs 1 crore.
Conversely, Jamtara reported the lowest sales in the state, with Rs 19.65 lakh sold on December 31.
Liquor sales on December 31 nearly doubled from December 30, reflecting the high spirits of New Year’s Eve celebrations. While Rs 14 crore worth of liquor was sold on December 30, the figure surged to Rs 27.52 crore the following day. However, sales tapered off slightly on January 1 as celebrations wound down.
An Excise Department representative stated, “These sales not only indicate the celebratory mood but also significantly contribute to the state’s revenue, especially during the peak festive season.”
District-wise highlights
Here’s how liquor sales unfolded across Jharkhand on the peak festive day:
· Ranchi: Rs. 5,10,18,853
· East Singhbhum: Rs. 2,69,61,570
· Hazaribagh: Rs. 2,47,01,025
· Dhanbad: Rs. 1,85,50,600
· Deoghar: Rs. 1,32,87,230
· Ramgarh: Rs. 1,20,54,350
· Palamu: Rs. 1,11,49,690
· Bokaro: Rs. 1,27,40,053
· Giridih: Rs. 1,05,87,425
· Jamtara: Rs. 19,65,350 (lowest in the state)
Other districts like Lohardaga, Dumka, and Pakur reported moderate sales ranging from Rs. 23 lakh to Rs. 70 lakh.
Revenue impact and state targets
The Excise Department of Jharkhand has reported receiving more than Rs. 1,800 crore in revenue from liquor sales in the ongoing financial year, against a target of Rs. 2,700 crore. Officials remain optimistic about achieving the remaining Rs. 900 crore in the last quarter, supported by strong year-end sales.
An official commented, “The remarkable sales during New Year’s celebrations reflect not just the festive spirit but also a significant contribution to the state’s revenue. Ranchi has consistently led in liquor sales, and this trend continues to strengthen.”
Insights from New Year celebrations
Ranchi, East Singhbhum, and Hazaribagh emerged as the top contributors, collectively accounting for a major share of the state’s liquor revenue during the celebrations. Districts like Jamtara and Lohardaga, however, reported minimal sales.
The surge in sales highlights the growing demand for liquor during festive seasons, reflecting changing social patterns and increased consumer spending.
The Excise Department plans to analyze these trends to strategize revenue collection and further optimize distribution networks across the state.
While the revelry has been celebrated, some voices also call for caution. “These figures show growing acceptance of liquor consumption, but it’s crucial to address the potential societal impact of such high sales,” said a social activist.
The record-breaking New Year sales have undoubtedly set the tone for Jharkhand’s revenue collection in 2025, providing a substantial boost to its fiscal outlook.
