HYDERABAD: In a major policy shift, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to encourage sale of low priced Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) in Tetra Pak packages to take on the illicitly distilled spirit, and mop up its excise revenue by about 1,000 crore this year. Ironically, the AP government wants to increase liquor sales even as Bihar imposed partial prohibition with stringent punishment for violation.The new liquor scheme, dubbed 'Navodayam', targets low income groups by selling cheap liquor in small quantities in tamper proof package. The government has fixed the maximum retail price for a Tetra Pak containing 180 ml of IMFL at 45. Low cost IMFL brands like Bagpiper Old Monk and Officer's Choice will be sold under Navodayam to cater to the needs of poor tipplers.The government has asked all distillers to ensure that 20% of their total production is cheap liquor. The low cost liquor will also be available in 90 ml Tetra Pak for easy sale and purchase in rural areas. The idea is to increase the liquor sale and thus earn more revenue. Excise officials estimate that the government is losing about 1,500 crore due to the sale of illicit liquor and adulteration of popular brands. The cash-strapped government wants to plug the revenue loss and earn at least 1,000 crore by streamlining the system through introduction of tamper-proof Tetra Pak with the MRP printed on them. The government has set the target of earning 5,756 crore excise revenue during the current financial year as against 4,560 crore during 2015-16.