Lok Sabha nod to bill shifting authority over potable alcohol

New Delhi, Dec 10:  The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed a bill that seeks to transfer the authority to regulate “potable alcohol” to the states.

The Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015, was passed by voice vote after a reply by Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The bill amends the first schedule of Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 to provide that existing heading “26 Fermentation Industries” will be substituted with the heading “26 Fermentation Industries (other than potable alcohol)”.

The amendment will help end a long-standing confusion about jurisdiction of central and state government on potable alcohol and industrial alcohol, and ensure that industries engaged in manufacturing alcohol meant for potable purposes shall be under the total and exclusive control of states in all respects.  (IANS)