Bhubaneswar, March 26 -- The Odisha Government on Thursday announced a new three-year excise policy for the period April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2029, with a key focus on increasing licence fees and restructuring revenue mechanisms.

Presenting the policy in the Assembly, the Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said application fees for various excise licences will be increased by 10 per cent, while licence fees will see an annual hike ranging from 10 to 20 per cent. The move is aimed at strengthening state revenue while regulating the liquor trade.

In a significant step, the government has introduced a 0.5 per cent de-addiction cess on excise duty, acknowledging alcohol as a harmful substance. Revenue generated from this cess will be ut...