174
REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94.
[APP.
ALWAR STATE MEMORANDUM.
There is no special arrangement in force in regard to the control of the growth of the
hemp plant in this State. Ganja and charas are not produced here. The zemindars in some
of the villages grow bhang either close to their wells or on the borders of their fields on a
very limited scale. Here and there may be found wild plants of bhang, but it does not grow
to any appreciable extent. The system obtaining in this State for the management of the
excise administration of the hemp drugs is that the State grants the monopoly of the import
and sale of drugs, including poppy and opium, to a contractor for a fixed period under certain
stated terms. In September last the contract for drugs, including poppy and opium, was given
for three years for Rs. 10,550. This sum has been ascertained from enquiry to include Rs. 9,000
on account of poppy and opium and the balance, Rs. 1,550, represents the income on account of
excise duty on bhang, ganja, and charas. In addition to the excise duty, bhang is liable to
pay octroi duty at ten annas per maund, while ganja and charas are exempt from octroi tax-
ation. Ganja, it will be observed, is neither produced nor imported here. Charas is imported
for consumption into the State to the extent of 61/2 maunds annually, while the production of
bhang in the State is almost sufficient for the requirements of the people. If at any time any
small quantity is required over and above the local produce, it is obtained from elsewhere by
the contractor under restrictions imposed on it in British territory or other Native States
from which it is imported.
2. With these preliminary remarks, we proceed to discuss seriatim the points alluded to
in the note which accompanied the letter from the Secretary to the Indian Hemp Drugs
Commission on the subject:—
(a) There is a uniform system for the State. It is this: The contract for all the drugs,
including poppy and opium, is given for a fixed sum and for a stated period
to a contractor under certain terms agreed upon at the time of the contract.
The State merely receives the contract money in fixed instalments, and makes
no interference in the management which is left entirely in the hands of the
contractor. The principal revenue officer of the State is supposed to be the
central controlling authority, but the administration of the system is virtually
carried on by the contractor for the time being. There is no Act or Regulation
in force in regard to excise administration. The whole system is based on
the few conditions agreed to by the contractor at the time of the contract.
(b) Wild hemp is not produced to an appreciable extent in this State and is not much
used. No attempt has been made to control the possession or sale thereof.
(c) The hemp plant for the production of ganja and charas is not cultivated.
Bhang,
as already explained, is cultivated close to the wells and on the borders of the
fields by a few zemindars, but its cultivation is not prohibited, nor is there any
restriction as to the localities of cultivation.
(d) Ganja is not imported here, but bhang and charas are imported by the contractor
according to requirements. He makes his own arrangements for their super-
vision and for controlling the storing and transport of these drugs.
(e) The State has granted the monopoly of the import and sale of these drugs to a
contractor, who sublets the farm and issues licenses at his pleasure to the differ-
ent shopkeepers in the several tahsils or other localities for the sale of drugs.
(f)
No answer is needed. This system is explained elsewhere.
(g) The number and sites of retail shops are fixed by the contractor according to
requirements without reference to the authorities. The licenses are granted by
him to the retail shopkeepers on payment of a fee to be agreed upon between
the parties. The number of shops is not determined with reference to area and
population nor is there anything in the nature of "local option."
(h) There is no rate fixed at which the drug must be supplied by the wholesale to
retail vendors. The rates differ according to the demand and supply at different
times. The present rates are given below:—
Bhang.
Charas.
Rs.
Rs.
Wholesale price
5 per maund.
200 per maund.
Retail prices
8
"
280
"
The retail price does not differ much in different districts. It is almost the
same everywhere.