e-Governance System for Excise Function – Excise and Taxation Department, Himachal Pradesh

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Case Study

Himachal Pradesh Introduces e-Governance For Excise Function

Introduction

The Department Of State Taxes And Excise of the Government of Himachal Pradesh has turned to e-Governance in order to improve excise function.

Problem

The traditional method of working offline and completing all departmental work in this manner meant processes were unnecessarily slow and cumbersome. Citizens had to visit the Excise Offices several times in order to get paperwork completed for licenses, passes and permits. Manual processes meant a lot of time, labour and energy went into these tasks, which kept the department from achieving its full potential and really advancing. Manual systems also meant there was a lack of accountability and transparency, which resulted in revenue leaks and damaged the state’s economy. The authorities also struggled with a recurring problem of thefts in the liquor supply chain.

Solution

Stringent monitoring, vigilance and strict implementation of pertinent protocols across different departmental functions was implemented. License management was prioritised. Timely and accurate collection of duties and fees is being done. Stock return filing is being promptly carried out on a monthly schedule. Strict control of goods movement, supply chain management, MIS and reporting have all bolstered department efficiency.

Outcomes

Plugging the revenue leaks and proactively prioritising proper collection has greatly helped increase the state revenue. Strict monitoring has enhanced accountability and transparency in the system, which in turn has left to improved organisational efficiency. Service delivery in the state has benefitted as a result of the same. Better monitoring has also helped with data management and data availability and consistency in the state has been enhanced. Rigorous monitoring and departmental response have helped curtail the liquor thefts.

Challenges

Not all department staff were computer savvy and there was a general resistance towards adopting the automated system. Difficult terrain and harsh climatic conditions also pose a challenge to network connectivity and stability. External stakeholders, that is to say the licensees, were also initially not keen on adapting to a new system.

Innovation

A Track & Trace module was developed for end-to-end monitoring of the liquor supply change. Computerisation and automation of the excise process saved the department significant amounts of time and labour, thus boosting efficiency. The automated function incorporates every bottling plant, brewery and distillery in the state. Local servers and Intranet were used to work around the difficult terrain and challenging climate. The online web and mobile application interfaces are easy to use and enhance the ease of doing business in the state with reduced processing times, ease of use, accessibility etc.

Opportunities

The system is replicable and has in fact already been introduced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and is also in the pipeline in Assam.

Summary

Over 1800 liquor retailers, 105 liquor wholesalers and 14 bottling plants are incorporated into this system. It also involves over 1000 departmental officers and officials and serves 10-20 Lakh end consumers.

For more information, please contact:
Mr Yunus, Commissioner of State Tax and Excise, Himachal Pradesh at etc-hp@nic.in

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