Baripada, Jun 3: The government’s e-lottery process for liquor shop licenses in Mayurbhanj district has concluded successfully, generating crores in revenue for the state exchequer.

However, hundreds of applicants who failed to secure licenses have been left financially drained, sparking concerns about the impact on unemployed youth.

According to official data, advertisements were issued for 72 liquor shops in Mayurbhanj. While 19 shops received no applications, 388 applicants competed for 53 shops.

Each applicant deposited a non-refundable application fee of ₹3 lakh, amounting to a total of ₹11.64 crore collected by the government. Out of this, only 53 applicants secured licenses, while 335 others lost their deposits, resulting in a direct government gain of over ₹10.5 crore.

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Several unsuccessful applicants expressed frustration, stating that they had borrowed heavily to participate in the lottery. One local applicant revealed that he and his friends pooled nearly ₹15 lakh by borrowing from relatives and acquaintances to apply for five shops, but failed to win even one.

With the application fees being non-refundable, many now face mounting debts and uncertainty about repayment. The lack of alternative business opportunities in the district has reportedly pushed unemployed youth toward risky investments in the liquor trade.

On the other hand, Mayurbhanj Excise Superintendent Prashant Kumar emphasized that the e-lottery process was conducted transparently and peacefully, ensuring fairness in allotment. He confirmed that the procedure adhered strictly to government regulations.

Meanwhile, in Balangir district, liquor business interest remains high. The tender process for 21 shops attracted 532 bids. Following the lottery, 21 successful applicants are now approaching the excise office to finalize agreements and begin operations.

Although, the liquor lottery system boosts government revenue significantly, it leaves many unsuccessful applicants grappling with financial distress.