Maharashtra eGazette Analysis

Amended Rule/Section: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 - Regulation concerning Poppy-2 License (अफू बोंड)

Type of Change: Commissioner Circular - Administrative Directive on Licensing Control and Verification

What Changed:

This circular addresses the misuse and illegal diversion of opium bonds licensed under Poppy-2 permits under the NDPS Act, 1985. The Commissioner of State Excise, Maharashtra has issued strict verification directives to prevent unauthorized sale and ensure proper record-keeping of opium bonds. The circular mandates that no new Poppy-2 licenses shall be granted without thorough verification of existing licensees and their compliance records. District authorities are directed to conduct comprehensive audits of all existing Poppy-2 license holders to ensure opium bonds are being used only for legitimate authorized purposes and not being diverted to unauthorized channels.

Key Details:

• Directive to District Superintendents: Conduct immediate verification of all existing Poppy-2 license holders in respective districts
• Verification Requirements:
  • Confirm actual existence and operational status of license holders
  • Verify that opium bonds are used only for authorized legitimate purposes
  • Check compliance with quantity restrictions recorded in Poppy-2 registers
  • Ensure no unauthorized sale or diversion to tribal/rural populations
  • Cross-verify stock registers with actual quantities held
• New License Restrictions: No new Poppy-2 licenses to be issued without complete verification of existing licenses and confirmation that no misuse is occurring
• Inspection Protocol:
  • Physical verification of premises and stocks
  • Comparison of Poppy-2 register entries with actual stock
  • Verification of beneficiary existence and legitimacy
  • Action against non-compliant license holders
• Renewal of Lapsed Licenses: Renewal of expired/lapsed Poppy-2 licenses prohibited until verification complete
• Immediate Compliance: District Superintendents must acknowledge receipt and report compliance immediately

Effective Date: From date of publication (circular issued dated likely 1998 based on partial date visible)

Authority: Commissioner, State Excise Department, Maharashtra State, Mumbai under provisions of NDPS Act, 1985

Administrative Note: This is a control measure circular aimed at preventing diversion of licit opium for illicit purposes, requiring comprehensive field verification before any new licenses are granted or existing ones renewed.