Excise Academy to get a modern makeover, says Keralam Minister M. Liju

Madhu, from Perambra in Kozhikode, kisses his son Vivek after the passing-out parade of newly trained Civil Excise Officers at the State Excise Academy in Thrissur on Friday. | Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB

The State Excise Academy at Poothole in Thrissur will be modernised with advanced training facilities and updated systems, Excise and Cooperation Minister M. Liju has said.

He was addressing the passing-out parade of 68 Civil Excise Officers and two women Civil Excise Officers who had successfully completed their training at the academy. The Minister reviewed the parade and received the salute from the newly trained personnel in Thrissur on Friday.

The government was implementing several initiatives to strengthen the Excise force, he said. Operation Thunder, launched as part of these efforts, had received considerable public support. The Excise department had detected around 60,000 cases across the State in connection with the operation, he added.

Congratulating the department for its performance despite limited facilities, Mr. Liju said steps to increase its staff strength were under the government’s consideration.

Liquor policy

“A comprehensive, long-term liquor policy would be announced in the coming days,” he said. The department would also be strengthened with the help of modern technology to curb the spread of substance abuse among young people and students.

“The establishment of a State Narcotics Control Bureau and the introduction of specialised training in this area at the Excise Academy marked important steps in this direction,” he said.

Reminding the newly inducted personnel of their responsibilities, the Minister urged them to remain committed, honest and accountable in the discharge of their duties.

Among the 70 trainees, 44 were graduates, nine held postgraduate degrees, eight were BTech graduates, one had a BEd degree and two held diplomas.

The Minister also presented awards to trainees who excelled in various categories. Aadil Shabeeb was adjudged the best indoor cadet, Abdul Mujeeb the best outdoor cadet, T. Jithuraj the best shooter and K. Akshay Chandran the best all-rounder.

Additional Excise Commissioner (Enforcement) R. Jayashankar and Excise Academy Director M. Sugunan also received the salute from the newly trained officers.

Published - October 30, 2026 07:49 pm IST