Shillong, May 17 (IANS): The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), apex body of the Indian Alcoholic Beverage Industry, has written to the Meghalaya Government seeking immediate end to the creation of Central Bonded Warehouse (CBW) which is to function as the sole wholesaler for all alcoholic beverages products to be sold in Meghalaya.

In its letter to Sarika Aggarwal Synrem, Commissioner & Secretary, Excise Registration Taxation Stamps (ERTS) Department, a copy of which has also been sent to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the CIABC has urged to "put implementation of the CBW on hold until the time its commercial rationale and legality is validated".

Stating that the Meghalaya Government has neither consulted stakeholders including the CIABC before introducing the CBW nor has it given reasons that warrant the introduction of this CBW in the supply chain, CIABC Secretary General Vinod Giri said: "CBW is an additional layer added in the distribution chain which will add to the cost of operation in the state. Current market structure is working fine without glitches and it is very unclear what purpose will CBW serve."

"It is commonly held principle that an additional cost must deliver additional benefit and the additional cost must be borne by the party which gets additional benefits. Therefore, if the CBW is being created by the Government for its own benefit, then its margin should come out of government revenues. Alternatively, if it is being introduced for a benefit to the consumers, then this cost should be passed on to the consumers," the CIABC said in its letter to the Meghalaya Government.

"Under any circumstances, if the Government believes there is sufficient justification for the CBW, then it also must clearly articulate its role, responsibilities, and in consideration of such services, its approved margin, as it does for other entities such as bonders and retailers. The referred notification(s) do not specify margin for CBW," the letter added.

Pointing out that the CBW was created in a very arbitrary manner, Giri said creation of the single point wholesaling entity for the entire state would lead to creation of a privately held monopoly. "Such arrangements are known for monopolistic abuse and are legally questionable as evidenced in several directions and orders from Higher Courts against them," he added.

Stating that the CIABC might move court if the Meghalaya Government fails to reconsider it decision, Giri said not only the company in charge of the CBW has been appointed in contravention of the tender rules and regulations, it has also approached several of CIABC member companies demanding 17 per cent as its margin, besides stating other restrictive terms. "In absence of clarity on services being provided by it or incremental value being added by it, such demand is clearly exorbitant, exploitative and an abuse of monopoly power," he added.

The CIABC has demanded that the Meghalaya government should clearly notify responsibilities of the CBW and the margin payable to it in the same manner as it is done for all others, i.e. bonders and retailers, as part of the published price structure. CIABC has also urged the government that the margin to the CBW if any should be paid either from the Government revenues or through proportionate increase in consumer price.