Amaravati, Oct 12 (PTI) Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday launched the AP Excise Suraksha App to curb the sale of spurious liquor in the state.
Addressing a press conference here, Naidu said the app allows users to scan holograms on liquor bottles to verify their authenticity, helping prevent the circulation of counterfeit products.
“We have launched the AP Excise Suraksha App to effectively tackle the menace of spurious liquor sales across Andhra Pradesh. With the help of the app, liquor consumers will be able to scan the bottle to ascertain its authenticity,” Naidu said.
The chief minister added that the app provides details such as manufacturing date, time, batch number, traceability, and certification, and that liquor supplied to one shop cannot be sold at another.
Naidu also said the app incorporates geo-tagging and geo-fencing features to prevent illegal transportation and the unauthorised operation of permit rooms, ensuring public convenience.
Alleging that counterfeit liquor and marijuana cultivation were major issues inherited from the previous YSRCP regime, Naidu claimed the former government promoted private brands while importing liquor from neighbouring states.
“Special Investigation Teams (SITs) have been constituted to probe liquor-related offences, and strict action will be taken against violators,” he said.
He noted that the new liquor policy was framed after “studying models across India to introduce national and international quality brands” in Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu warned that strict action would be taken against those selling or brewing spurious liquor, adding that no one would be spared, irrespective of political affiliations or influence.
He emphasised that the app will trace fake liquor, ensuring accountability, and urged Excise department officials to enforce laws or face consequences for negligence.
Meanwhile, Naidu said the state will also finalise an agreement with Google on October 14.
“Google will bring in massive investments, and Visakhapatnam is set to become the largest data hub in the country,” he said.
“On one side, a data centre, and on the other, artificial intelligence. We are designing the curriculum according to future needs,” Naidu added.
He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited to the investment summit scheduled in November at Vizag. PTI MS SSK
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