Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Friday that the Delhi government is in the process of developing a new excise policy aimed at ensuring transparency in the sale and distribution of liquor within the city. A high-level committee, led by Chief Secretary Dharmendra, is reviewing the excise policies of various states to identify and incorporate best practices. The committee is set to finalize its recommendations by June 30, after which they will be submitted to the government for consideration.
Emphasizing the importance of public trust, Gupta stated, “We consider the trust of the people of Delhi paramount. Learning from past mistakes of the previous government, we are bringing a policy that will leave no room for corruption at any level.” She assured that the new policy would not only enhance transparency and accountability in liquor sales but also introduce vital reforms. Among these will be scientific quality testing of liquor, digitization of the sales process, stringent actions against illegal sales, and an open and transparent licensing procedure.
“The interests of the public will remain the top priority in the new excise policy,” Gupta added, noting that the government aims to ensure that the policy does not harm vulnerable segments of society.
The new policy comes in the wake of the controversial 2021-22 Delhi excise policy implemented by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, which was marred by serious corruption allegations. Prominent figures, including AAP national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, were arrested on charges relating to the policy. Although both leaders have since been released on bail, the political fallout continues.
According to a Comptroller and Auditor General report presented to the Delhi Assembly in February, the previous policy resulted in a staggering loss of approximately ₹2,002 crore to the exchequer due to various implementation issues. Gupta went on to describe the AAP government’s excise policy as “corrupt,” claiming it favored select private companies at the expense of government revenue. She criticized the policy for failing to follow legal protocols and prioritize public welfare.
As the Delhi government prepares to unveil its new excise policy, all eyes will be on the proposed reforms and how they aim to restore public confidence and integrity in the system. Gupta’s administration is keen on demonstrating a commitment to accountability and transparency, marking a significant shift from the issues that plagued the previous regime. With the rollout anticipated shortly, residents of Delhi are hopeful for a more equitable approach to liquor sales that benefits both the public and the city’s governance.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/govt-formulating-new-excise-policy-will-leave-no-room-for-graft-cm/article69692568.ece
Category : Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-06-14 01:46:00
