Shillong, August 28: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated the new office building of the Excise Department at Lower Lachaumiere, bringing together key wings of the department under one campus.
Excise Minister Brening A. Sangma, Chief Secretary Dr Shakil Ahammad, and senior officers and staff of the department were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the department, which had been functioning from temporary structures for more than five decades.
“It gives me joy and satisfaction to inaugurate this building, which has been a long-standing demand of the department,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the department’s contribution to the State’s revenue and said the new building was part of the Government’s broader initiative to strengthen administrative infrastructure. Over the past eight years, he said, infrastructure improvements had been undertaken across various sectors, including schools, police stations and outposts, block offices, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and sub-centres.
Excise Revenue Rises from ₹180 Crore to Over ₹500 Crore
Sangma said Excise Department revenue had increased significantly, from around ₹180 crore eight years ago to more than ₹500 crore currently.
He said the Government had taken a major decision to integrate excise and VAT-related arrangements, which was expected to further strengthen revenue collection.
He also referred to the Cabinet’s August 2026 decision to bring VAT on alcoholic liquor under the Excise Duty regime through amendments to Section 44 and Schedule V of the Meghalaya Value Added Tax Act.
The Chief Minister said the Government’s focus was on implementing sustainable reforms without disrupting the existing ecosystem, while ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders were protected.
He expressed hope that the department would eventually cross the ₹1,000-crore revenue mark, given its potential for further growth.
Excise Revenue Supports Welfare Programmes
Sangma also highlighted the wider social impact of revenue generated by the Excise Department, saying the funds contribute to various welfare programmes, including the construction of schools and hospitals and safe motherhood initiatives.
He urged officers and staff not to underestimate the importance of their work, emphasising that the revenue collected by the department contributes to saving lives and educating children.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister urged officials to regard the new building as their “second home” and discharge their duties with commitment and dedication towards achieving the department’s goals and targets.
₹14.55-Crore Integrated Office Complex
The new building has been developed at a total project cost of ₹14.55 crore and has been designed to bring the department’s key operational arms together on a single campus.
The building will house the Excise Laboratory, Enforcement Wing, Integrated Excise Management System and the Commissioner’s Office.
According to the department, bringing these functions together will reduce delays and information gaps arising from operations being conducted from separate premises.
The integrated campus is also expected to make it easier for licensees and citizens to access related services, as they will no longer have to visit different locations for connected transactions.
