Haryana

• 07 Dec 2024

Shyamal Misra Appointed CEO of FMDA and GMDA

Why in News? 

In a significant administrative reshuffle, Shyamal Misra, a 1996-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of both the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) and the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).  

Key Points

• Shyamal Misra is currently serving as the Chief Administrator of the Trade Fair Authority of Haryana in New Delhi, will also take on the role of Principal Secretary for the Civil Aviation Department of Haryana. 
• Despite his expanded portfolio, Shyamal Misra will continue his duties with the Trade Fair Authority, balancing a pivotal role in advancing Haryana’s urban and aviation infrastructure. 
• These appointments mark a strategic realignment in the bureaucratic leadership of both Haryana, reflecting the state’s ongoing efforts to streamline and strengthen their administrative machinery.  
• The reshuffle aims to enhance governance and ensure effective implementation of development projects.

Tussle Over Haryana Excise Policy

Why in News? 

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a stern warning to the Haryana government regarding the sale of liquor over midnight in bars and pubs located in Gurugram and Faridabad.  

• However, the court refrained from issuing any formal directions to the state on this matter. 

Key Points 

• The issue arose after the Haryana Excise Policy 2024-25, introduced in June, removed provisions from the previous policy that allowed bars and pubs to operate throughout the night upon payment of an additional fee.  
• Under the revised policy, all bars and pubs across Haryana are required to close by midnight, except in Gurugram and Faridabad, where the older rules continue to apply.          
• Following the promulgation of the new policy, bar and pub owners in Panchkula filed a petition in the high court, seeking parity with their counterparts in Gurugram and Faridabad.  
  • However, a bench of Justices dismissed their plea, ruling that the excise policy applies different criteria to different districts, and the petitioners cannot demand uniformity. 
• The court underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity in framing excise policies.  
  • It noted that allowing all-night liquor sales could lead to social decay and undermine the cultural values of Indian society.  
• The bench stressed that responsible drinking is still a distant goal in the country, and policymakers must consider the broader social implications of their decisions. 

Haryana Excise Policy 2024-25

• There will be a slight increase in the excise duty on IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) and country liquor in the new policy starting from 12th June. 
• The maximum basic quota of IMFL will be 700 lakh proof liters (Measurement Unit) and 1,200 lakh proof liters for the country liquor for the year 2024-25. 
• The QR code-based track and trace system that was introduced in 2023-24 for IMFL and country liquor will be extended to imported foreign liquor as well.