Govt allows amendment in Act to transfer authority to regulate 'potable alcohol' to States

New Delhi, Sept 9 (KNN) The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the Amendment in the First Schedule of Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 to transfer the authority to regulate 'potable alcohol' to States as recommended by the Law Commission in its 158th Report. 

The existing heading "26 Fermentation Industries" in the First Schedule of Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 shall be substituted with the heading "26 Fermentation Industries (other than potable alcohol)". A Bill to this effect will be introduced in Parliament. 

With this Amendment in the First Schedule of Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, a long standing confusion about jurisdiction of Central and State - Government on Alcohol - Potable Alcohol and Industrial Alcohol has been resolved. This Amendment will create a balance between the Union and States, said a Cabinet release.
 
It will eliminate the room for abuse of Law and misuse of alcohol. It will ensure that industries engaged in manufacturing alcohol meant for Potable purposes shall be under the total and exclusive control of States in all respects. This should also assign accountability to States for manufacture of Potable alcohol, the release added. (KNN Bureau)