The Telugu states have been consistently ranked among the top in alcohol consumption compared to most other states in the country.
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are competing with each other regarding annual per capita expenditure on alcohol.
A recent study by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), based on data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and Consumer Pyramids Household Survey (CPHS) reports, showcases this trend.
The study reveals that the average annual per capita expenditure on alcohol is Rs. 1,623 in Telangana and Rs. 1,306 in Andhra Pradesh. These two states topped the charts, with Chhattisgarh coming in third position at Rs. 1,227.
Following them are Punjab (Rs. 1,245), Odisha (Rs. 1,156), Kerala (Rs. 486), Himachal Pradesh (Rs. 457), Tamil Nadu (Rs. 330), and Rajasthan (Rs. 308).
Interestingly, Uttar Pradesh shows surprisingly lower averages, with per capita expenditures of Rs. 75 and Rs. 49 according to the surveys.
According to NIPFP, various states are earning a lot by imposing heavy taxes on alcohol. It was stated that taxes collected on alcohol are the third-highest income source for the states.
For instance, Jharkhand earns the least at 67%, while Goa tops the chart with a whopping 771% of revenue generated from alcohol taxes.
