MAHARASHTRA EXCISE DEPARTMENT — OFFICIAL DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
Document Type: Government Resolution (GR) / Administrative Order
Reference Number: GR No. TOD-0717/Pr.Kr.219/RAUSHUT-3, dated 21 August 2017
Issued By: Government of Maharashtra, Home Department (गृह विभाग)
Effective Date: From date of publication (21 August 2017)
Portal ID: 1407
Reference Code (on www.maharashtra.gov.in): 201708191608007129
SUMMARY
This Government Resolution authorizes the grant of Toddy (ताडी) licenses for the financial year 2017-18 through the open auction ("निविदा-रन-रिरवदा") method throughout Maharashtra State. The order reaffirms the 1000 mature coconut tree criterion per shop with specific exemptions for Konkan region districts (Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane). Successful bidders from restricted regions must demonstrate possession of 1000 mature trees in alternative districts (Palghar, Raigad) outside their licensing jurisdiction.
KEY PROVISIONS
License Type & Distribution Method:
- License Type Affected: TD-1 (Toddy Shop licenses / ताडी दुकाने)
- Distribution Method: Open auction and sealed tender process (रिरवदा-रन-रनरवदा पध्दत)
- Financial Year: 2017-18
1000 Mature Tree Criterion — General Rule (Clause 2):
- All districts across Maharashtra: Minimum of 1 shop per 1000 mature coconut trees (हजार परिपक्व झाडांमागे 1 दुकान)
- This ratio applies to all talukas within a district
- All terms and conditions specified in the referenced Government Resolutions dated 28 October 2016 and 2 December 2016 shall apply
Special Exemption for Konkan Region (Clause 3) — Critical Provision:
Restricted Districts (No local tree requirement):
- Mumbai City (मुांबई शहर)
- Mumbai Suburban (मुांबई उपनगर)
- Thane District (ठाणे)
Special Permission: Shops in the above three districts are permitted to:
- Source and sell Toddy imported from alternative Konkan region districts
- Source Districts (must have 1000 mature trees):
- Palghar District (पालघर)
- Raigad District (रायगड)
Evidence Requirements for Restricted District Licensees:
- Successful bidders from Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane must NOT submit proof of 1000 mature trees in their own district
- Instead: Each successful bidder must submit proof to the Excise Commissioner that they possess 1000 mature coconut trees in separate/alternative districts (Palghar and/or Raigad)
- Proof must clearly demonstrate distinct possession of 1000 mature trees in external districts (Palghar or Raigad)
Quality Control & Procedural Direction (Clause 3):
- Commissioner of State Excise shall immediately issue detailed operational procedures to ensure compliance
- Mandatory Vigilance: Adulterated/substandard Toddy distribution shall be prevented through oversight mechanisms
- Prohibition of sale of adulterated Toddy is strictly enforced
Statutory References Applied:
- Maharashtra Toddy Shops (Grant of License Through Open Auction Method) Order, 2001
- Government Notification, Home Department, dated 4 June 2001
- Government Notification, Home Department, dated 9 August 2010
- Government Resolution TOD-0615/Pr.Kr.116/RAUSHUT-3, dated 25 August 2015
- Government Resolution TOD-0615/Pr.Kr.116/RAUSHUT-3, dated 28 October 2016
- Government Resolution TOD-0615/Pr.Kr.116/RAUSHUT-3, dated 2 December 2016
WHO IS AFFECTED
- All Toddy license applicants/bidders across Maharashtra State for FY 2017-18
- TD-1 (Toddy Shop) licensees — existing and new
- Specific Priority:
- Applicants in Konkan Division: Palghar and Raigad districts (as source suppliers)
- Applicants in restricted districts: Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane (permitted to source from external Konkan districts)
- All other Maharashtra districts: Subject to the standard 1000 mature tree per shop ratio
- Excise Department Officials:
- Commissioner of State Excise
- All Divisional Commissioners
- All District Officers (रजिल्हारिकारी)
- All Divisional Deputy Commissioners (State Excise)
- All Inspectors (State Excise)
IMPORTANT NOTES / CONDITIONS / PENALTIES
Stringent Conditions for Restricted Districts:
| Aspect |
Requirement |
| Jurisdiction of License |
Mumbai City / Mumbai Suburban / Thane |
| Local Tree Requirement |
WAIVED — Not required in licensing district |
| Alternative Evidence |
MANDATORY — 1000 mature trees in Palghar OR Raigad (or both combined) |
| Proof Submission |
To the Commissioner of State Excise (आयुक्त स्तरावरून) |
| Each Bidder |
Must hold proof of separate/independent 1000 mature trees in external district(s) |
| Failure to Prove |
Implicit disqualification — license cannot be granted without this proof |
Quality Assurance:
- Commissioner must establish procedures to ensure:
- No adulterated Toddy is distributed
- Vigilance mechanism is in place
- Regular inspection and monitoring
Administrative Implementation:
- This order is issued under the authority of the Governor of Maharashtra (महािाष्ट्राचे राज्यपाल याांचे आदेशानुसाि व नाांवाने)
- Digitally signed by P.R. Vagde, Joint Secretary, Home Department
- Published on official Maharashtra government portal: www.maharashtra.gov.in
Distribution / Notification:
Order circulated to:
- Chief Minister's Principal Secretary
- Minister (Home) — Private Secretary
- Minister of State (Home) — Private Secretary
- Principal Secretary (Home) — Personal Assistant
- Opposition Leader's Private Secretary
- Commissioner, State Excise, Maharashtra
- All Divisional Commissioners
- All District Officers
- All Divisional Deputy Commissioners (State Excise)
- All Inspectors (State Excise)
- Select media/news outlets
PROCEDURAL NOTES
- Auction/Bidding Process: Open auction (रिरवदा पध्दत) as per Maharashtra Toddy Shops Order 2001
- Eligibility: Candidates must satisfy the respective tree criterion (1000 mature coconut trees) either locally or through external Konkan district ownership
- No Fee Schedule: This GR does not specify license fees — fees would be determined separately by the Excise Department
- License Validity: Standard validity period as per Toddy license regulations (typically 1 year from grant date)
- Appeal Mechanism: Not specified in this GR; governed by general Excise law provisions
LEGAL SIGNIFICANCE
This GR represents a policy liberalization for Konkan region metropolitan areas (Mumbai, Thane) by:
- Removing the restrictive 1000 tree requirement within their jurisdiction
- Permitting inter-district sourcing (Palghar, Raigad)
- Enabling formal market expansion while maintaining quality control standards
- Maintaining the 1000-tree ratio regionally (not abolished, but externalized)
The order is digitally published and legally binding on all Maharashtra Excise authorities and license applicants.