Karnataka introduces AIB-based excise system, revises liquor prices
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has implemented an Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB)-based excise duty structure in the state and revised the rates of liquor.
In a press note issued on Sunday, the State Excise Department said the new taxation structure, which has been done for the first time in India in line with the 2026-27 Budget announcement of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was aimed at rationalising liquor pricing, making alcoholic beverages available at cheaper rates for consumers in Karnataka and aligning prices with neighbouring states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Kerala.
"For the first time in India, the AIB-based excise duty structure has been implemented in Karnataka from May 11, 2026. It is globally recognised as the gold standard for alcohol taxation," the department said.
Under the new policy, the government-administered price fixation has been completely deregulated, it said, and added that product placement within slabs has been left to the producers based on market considerations.
According to the government notification dated May 8, 2026, Indian Made Liquor (IML) slabs have been rationalised and reduced from the earlier 16 slabs to eight slabs.
The Excise Department said the restructuring had been carried out keeping in mind the availability of liquor at cheaper rates to the consumers of the state and ensuring that it is lower and relatively equal to that of the neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Kerala.
The revised rates notified by the Excise Department include popular Indian Made Liquor (IML) brands and beer brands, with prices varying according to slab structures, pack sizes and alcohol content.
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Delhi govt to provide up to Rs 10 crore collateral-free loans to women startups, SHGs
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi government will provide collateral-free loans of up to Rs 10 crore to women-led start ups and self help groups in the national capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday.
The government will also provide platforms in malls and large shopping complexes across the city to help indigenous products made by women self-help groups (SHGs) reach a wider market.
"We are working on a wider scale to make the women of the capital self-reliant, entrepreneurial, and economically empowered. Arrangements have been made for providing collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 crore to women self-help groups and startups," Gupta said in a statement.
She said the Delhi government itself would act as guarantor for such loans extended to women start ups and SHGs.
Addressing the inauguration of a two-day 'Mega Self Help Group (SHG) Mela-2026' organised in Rohini on Saturday, Gupta said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently promoted the vision of 'Vocal for Local', 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', and 'One District, One Product'.
She said the SHG Mela was an effort to promote indigenous products prepared by women and connect them with the wider market.
Around 24 self-help groups participated in fair, where handicrafts, crochet work, khadi, household products, food items, and other handmade products were exhibited and sold. Handicrafts under 'One District, One Product' initiative of North-West Delhi district were also showcased.
Gupta said that people often preferred foreign brands despite Indian handicrafts, khadi, household products, and handmade items being comparable in quality.
"The only requirement is better branding and marketing of these products," she said.
She appealed to people to use more local and indigenous products instead of foreign goods.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to conserve fuel, use public transport, and adopt indigenous products, Gupta said the Delhi government was also promoting campaigns such as 'Monday metro' and 'No Vehicle Day'.
"If people make small changes in their daily routine, it will directly benefit the country," she said.
