Amended Rule/Section: Supplementary to Government Resolution No. VINAYAS 0120/PR.CR.07/RAUSHU-2, dated 14.10.2020
Type of Change: Supplementary Clarification / Policy Interpretation
What Changed:
This supplementary circular addresses a specific operational issue arising from the COVID-19 lockdown regarding B-Heavy molasses. The original GR dated 14.10.2020 established a policy framework for ethanol production from sugarcane-based feedstocks (sugar/molasses/sugarcane juice/B-Heavy/C-Heavy molasses) in line with Central Government directives. However, due to lockdown impacts, ethanol offtake from B-Heavy molasses decreased significantly, leading distilleries to request permission to produce and sell alternative products.
The circular clarifies that distilleries are NOT permitted to produce and sell Rectified Spirit (RS - शुध्द मद्यार्क) or Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA - अवतशुध्द मद्यार्क) from B-Heavy molasses in addition to ethanol production. The existing policy framework does not provide any provision for such diversification beyond ethanol.
The circular further clarifies that distilleries have autonomy only regarding ethanol production, but with a critical caveat: if a distillery has entered into ethanol supply agreements with oil marketing companies (as per Central Government policy) and fails to fulfill those commitments, the entire responsibility and liability rests solely with the concerned distillery unit. The State Government assumes no responsibility or liability for such defaults.
Key Details:
Effective Date: 20th May, 2021 (date of publication)
Authority:
Digital Reference: Document code 202105211519014429 (available at www.maharashtra.gov.in)