Arunachal, Assam step up excise cooperation to curb illicit trade, boost revenue

Itanagar, June 17 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday emphasised that close coordination between neighbouring states is crucial for addressing emerging governance challenges and ensuring the effective implementation of laws, policies and regulatory mechanisms.

A ministerial-level meeting between the governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam was held at the Civil Secretariat in Itanagar on Wednesday to discuss matters of mutual interest related to excise administration and explore avenues for enhanced inter-state cooperation.

Chairing the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Mein said that the challenges confronting excise management require coordinated efforts, technological innovation and sustained engagement between neighbouring states.

He noted that collaborative approaches are essential for strengthening enforcement systems, improving regulatory oversight and addressing issues that transcend state boundaries.

Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the deliberations, Mein said that regular dialogue, information-sharing and joint initiatives between the two states would further strengthen governance systems and contribute significantly to the protection of public interest.

Mein, who also holds the portfolios of Finance, Tax, Excise and Narcotics, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, which he said is founded on mutual trust, cooperation and shared aspirations for regional development and prosperity.

The meeting was attended by Assam’s Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Excise, Border Protection and Development, Atul Bora, along with senior officials from the Finance and Excise departments of both states.

The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in key areas such as excise administration, prevention of illicit liquor trade, revenue mobilisation, enforcement mechanisms, intelligence-sharing and capacity-building among departmental personnel.

The two sides also deliberated on various measures for developing mutually beneficial excise policies and strategies aimed at augmenting the states’ own revenues through enhanced cooperation, coordinated enforcement action and improved administrative efficiency.

The meeting featured detailed presentations by officials from both states, highlighting ongoing initiatives, operational challenges and potential areas for future collaboration in excise management and regulatory enforcement.

Discussions were also held on developing a structured roadmap for continued engagement through periodic review meetings, institutional coordination mechanisms and joint action on issues of common concern affecting both states.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-state cooperation and fostering a collaborative approach to effectively address shared challenges while promoting transparency, efficiency and accountability in excise administration.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to deepen institutional partnerships, enhance coordination between departments and work collectively towards ensuring efficient, transparent and responsive management of excise-related matters in the larger public interest.

–IANS

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