New software nets additional Rs 2,800 crore for excise dept

In order to keep a watch on every drop of liquor sold and purchased in the state and the revenue generated from it, the state excise department has developed a new software to track the performance of its officials across the state. The department has developed a software called Management Information System (MIS), which helps the excise commissioner monitor each and every area in the state, using the information uploaded in the system.

Secret of success: MIS has not only enhanced the excise department's performance, but also its revenue collection. Representation Pic

A senior excise official said, "Area heads are supposed to upload information regarding sale of liquor, revenue earned, liquor sold for toiletry purposes, licence fee earned, any breach case, pending renewals or cases in the court, among other things. Minute details are to be uploaded in this system, which helps the commissioner monitor the performance of all area officers across the state."

The official added, "Every month, the area officers will have to update the system with their work. If they fail to do so, a negative marking will be added to the list, intimating the commissioner that the department is holding information about the target assigned to that particular officer. The credit to meet the huge targets goes to the close monitoring of performance by the excise commissioner."

Performance booster
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, state excise commissioner, said, "Yes, we have developed this software which has helped me closely monitor the performance of each district, wherever my physical presence is difficult. Each area is given a target and this performance sheet helps us know what the department has achieved or has to in the coming month. Also, the system helps me guide the team if errors are found in theiru00a0working pattern. Those who do not upload the information are asked for an explanation. For me, quality of work is important. I cannot speak much on this, but this is definitely going to help us improve our performance."

Record collection
"In 2010-11 our revenue collection was Rs 5,800 crore. Fr the year 2011-12 the department collected Rs 8,601.32 crore. The difference between the two collections is over Rs 2,800, an overall target that was set for us some four years ago," said a senior official.

Popcorns
Rs 5,800 cr
Excise revenue collection for 2010-11

Rs 8,601 crore
Excise revenue collection this yearu00a0

What is MIS?
Management Information System (MIS) provides information that is neededu00a0to manage organisations efficiently and effectively. It involves three primary resources: people, u00a0technology, and information. u00a0