The BJP government in Delhi is set to introduce a new excise policy by the end of this month, aiming to overhaul the existing system regulating the sale and distribution of alcohol in the national capital, which it says will make the liquor trade more transparent, modern, and accountable.
A committee headed by Chief Secretary Dharmendra Kumar has been constituted to draft the new policy and is expected to submit its recommendations to the Rekha Gupta-led government before the June 30 deadline.
The previous liquor policy, introduced under the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in 2021, quickly became embroiled in controversy over alleged corruption and massive irregularities and was withdrawn just months after its rollout. The case led to the arrest of senior AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, and is widely viewed as one of the key factors in the party’s recent rout in the Assembly elections.
The new government is prioritising the creation of a robust and transparent excise framework by consulting other states to adopt best practices, according to the government. The key goals of the revamped policy include increasing revenue, curbing illegal liquor trade, ensuring consumer safety, and maintaining social harmony.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has emphasised that social security will remain a top priority, and the policy will be crafted in a way that does not adversely affect vulnerable sections of society.
The proposed policy is also expected to introduce several reforms, including scientific testing of liquor quality, digitisation of the sales system, strict enforcement against illegal sales, and transparency in the licencing process.
Once the draft is submitted by the committee, the Delhi Cabinet will review and finalise the policy, with an aim to restore public trust and streamline excise operations in the capital, sources added.
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