TNI Bureau: Documents from the Odisha Excise Department clearly show that the decision to allow the sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in tetra packs was taken during the previous BJD government in March 2024.

https://osbc.co.in/NewIncludes/UploadFiles/Excise-Policy-2024-25.pdf

The revelation came amidst the spar between BJP and BJD over the recent statement of Odisha Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan that Government is planning to shift liquor packaging from glass bottles to tetra packs.

An official order issued by the Excise Department on March 15, 2024, approved the Excise Policy for 2024–25, including fee, duty and regulatory guidelines. The policy, approved by the then government, was to remain effective from April 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024. The order was issued by Additional Secretary Archana Das Pattanaik to the Excise Commissioner.

The policy guidelines specifically included provisions for IMFL “OFF” shops, stating that liquor could be sold in glass bottles or tetra packs in specified SKU sizes. It further clarified that tetra packaging would be permitted to reduce the chances of adulteration. The guidelines also stated that:
Only 180 ml and below SKUs could be supplied in tetra packs.

Tetra packs must have six protective layers and proper shelf-life labeling
Manufacturers must obtain certification from recognized packaging institutions before using tetra packs, the order had said.

These provisions clearly indicate that the policy decision to introduce tetra-pack liquor packaging was formally approved under the BJD-led government before the change of administration in Odisha.

The documents contradict recent political claims suggesting that tetra-pack liquor sales are a new initiative. Instead, official records demonstrate that the policy framework allowing liquor sales in tetra packs originated during the previous regime.

However, there is one difference. While BJD Government allowed sale of liquor in both glass bottles and tetra packs and tetra peck was allowed for only 180 ml or below packaging. But, as per the incumbent Excise Minister, there will be a complete shift from glass bottles to tetra packs.