Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: D K Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, on Tuesday reviewed a presentation by the Excise Department regarding proposed amendments to the excise policy and formulation of a Standard Operating Procedure for procurement of premium liquor by ANIIDCO.
The review meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary and senior officers of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
During the presentation, officials discussed proposed changes in the excise framework and procedures related to procurement of premium liquor through the ANIIDCO.
The Lieutenant Governor directed that the revised policy should remain transparent, provide a level playing field for stakeholders and ensure that the requirements of the tourism sector in the Islands are adequately addressed.
Officials stated that the review forms part of ongoing administrative efforts to align policy frameworks with the evolving needs of tourism and hospitality sectors in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Administration has been focusing on tourism-oriented infrastructure and hospitality development, with policy reforms being considered in sectors linked to visitor services and commercial operations.
The meeting also examined the proposed Standard Operating Procedure related to procurement mechanisms for premium liquor through ANIIDCO.
Officials did not disclose details of the proposed amendments or timelines for implementation of the revised policy framework.
However, the emphasis during the review remained on ensuring fairness, transparency and operational efficiency in the excise and procurement system.
The tourism sector in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has witnessed increasing focus from the Administration amid ongoing efforts to improve connectivity, hospitality infrastructure and tourism services.
Policy decisions related to excise regulation are often considered significant for hotel, hospitality and tourism-related businesses operating in the Islands.
Officials indicated that the Administration intends to ensure that policy measures support tourism requirements while maintaining transparency and regulatory oversight.
The meeting was part of a series of departmental reviews being conducted by the Administration on policy reforms, infrastructure planning and sectoral development initiatives in the Islands.
