Govt to begin neera licensing, renewal soon

Patna: The department of prohibition, excise and registration will commence issuing of licence and renewal of old ones for neera production under the Mukhyamantri Neera Samvardhan Yojana for this year. Launched in 2025 to promote the state’s neera industry, the scheme is set for full-scale implementation from April to July this year.According to a press release issued by the department on Monday, under the Bihar Neera Rules, 2017, the extraction of neera is strictly regulated and permitted only for tapers registered with Jeevika Neera Producer Groups who hold valid licences. Since these permits require mandatory annual renewal, the department has instructed officials to coordinate closely with Jeevika district project managers to ensure that all existing licences are updated.The authorities have also been directed to expedite the verification of new applications to bring more participants into the regulated fold. By streamlining these administrative procedures, the state govt aims to maximise rural employment opportunities while establishing neera as a healthy, natural alternative beverage during the peak summer months.