Maharashtra eGazette Analysis

Gazette Reference: Circular No. DEV1120021/Enforcement & Investigation/CR (1019584)/Navi Mumbai, dated 16/04/2021

Type: Commissioner's Circular — Enforcement & Crime Investigation

Authority: Commissioner of State Excise, Maharashtra State, Mumbai

Summary

This is an operational circular (not a rule amendment) issued by the Commissioner of State Excise introducing a mobile app-based QR Code verification system for transport passes used in the movement of liquor, alcohol, and molasses in Maharashtra.

Purpose and Context

What Changed:

• The State Excise Department has deployed a mobile application to enable field officers and enforcement teams to verify the authenticity of transport passes (TPs) by scanning QR codes printed on them.
• Transport passes are generated through the Supply Chain Management (SCM) system and include a QR code that can be scanned to instantly check:
  • Whether the TP is valid or expired
  • Quantity of liquor/alcohol/molasses authorized for transport
  • Whether the TP has already been accepted/used by a wholesaler or retailer
  • Whether the TP is being reused fraudulently

Practical Effect:

• Officers at border checkpoints, enforcement squads, and flying squads can now conduct real-time verification of transport passes using their mobile phones.
• This helps detect:
  • Reuse of expired transport passes
  • Use of fake/forged transport passes
  • Discrepancies between authorized and actual quantities being transported

Key Operational Details

Mobile App Access:

• App Name: QR Code TP Scan
• Download Source: Google Play Store
• Registration Portal: https://semexcise.mahaonline.gov.in/qrcode
• Divisional Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents must first register their subordinate staff (junior ranks to Superintendents) on the portal using Login Credentials provided to them.
• Officers and staff register their mobile numbers on the app.

How to Use the App:

1. Open the app and click "SCAN QR CODE" to scan the QR code on the transport pass, OR
2. Click "SEARCH QR CODE" and manually enter the system-generated TP number.
3. After scanning, the app displays:
   • "TP is valid" or "TP is invalid"
   • Whether the TP has been accepted by a wholesaler/retailer and on what date
   • "TP Validity has expired" if the validity period is over
   • Total number of boxes/cases authorized
4. Click "VIEW TP DETAILS" to see complete information on the transport pass.
5. Compare the authorized quantity with the actual stock being transported.
6. If discrepancies are found, take action accordingly.

Detection of Fraudulent TPs:

• If a fake/forged transport pass is scanned, the app will display: "TP is Invalid"
• Officers must take legal action under the Bombay Prohibition Act in such cases.

Instructions to Officers

The circular directs:

• Superintendents must inform all executive, non-executive, and supervisory officers, as well as junior staff under their jurisdiction, about this circular.
• All staff must download and register on the mobile app.
• Officers must use the app during all transport pass inspections.

Effective Date

From: 16/04/2021 (date of circular issuance)

Authority

Issued by: Kantilal Umap
Commissioner of State Excise, Maharashtra State, Mumbai

Distribution

Circular sent to:

1. All Gazetted Officers in the Commissioner's Office
2. All Divisional Deputy Commissioners of State Excise
3. All Superintendents of State Excise
4. All Inspectors of State Excise
5. All Sub-Inspectors of State Excise
6. Office File No. 12 (5 copies) / Record Branch

Note: This is an administrative/operational circular for enforcement purposes, not a statutory amendment to the Bombay Prohibition Act or Maharashtra Liquor Rules. It introduces a digital tool to assist officers in verifying transport passes and detecting violations.