HP launches first-ever online e-auction for liquor vends

Shimla: In a major policy shift aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency, the Himachal Pradesh govt on Monday commenced its first-ever online e-auction process for the allotment of retail liquor vends for the financial year 2026-27.The new system replaces traditional methods with a fully digital bidding process, ensuring greater accountability and convenience for applicants. The e-auction process began with retail liquor units in the districts of Kinnaur, Hamirpur and Chamba.The state govt approved the allocation of all retail excise liquor units through a unit-wise online bidding system. Separate bids will be invited for each unit, enabling participants to apply remotely from their homes or offices through the designated portals.The link to the e-auction portal is available on the official website of the department – www.hptax.gov.in – and on the excise e-Governance portal –https://egovef.hptax.gov.in. The portal can also be accessed directly at https://eauction.gov.in/ngauction.According to the commissioner, state taxes and excise, Yunus, applicants must register on the official e-auction portal using a valid digital signature certificate (DSC). He urged bidders to thoroughly review the Excise Policy 2026-27, along with the standard operating procedures and user manuals, which are available on the departmental website and the e-auction portal.The application and auction schedule is structured district-wise. For Kinnaur, Hamirpur and Chamba, applications will be accepted from Feb 23 to 26, with auctions scheduled for Feb 28.Districts including Sirmaur, Una and Baddi will see auctions on March 2, while auctions in Solan, Kangra and Bilaspur districts are slated for March 3. Mandi and Nurpur auctions will take place on March 5, and Shimla and Kullu will conclude the process on March 7.MSID:: 128711216 413 |