CAG’s report on liquor policy sent to public accounts panel: Delhi Assembly Speaker

The CAG report on the regulation and supply of liquor in Delhi has highlighted serious irregularities in the implementation of the excise policy by the AAP government, resulting in a revenue loss of Rs 2,002 crore. The audit, conducted for the period between 2017 and 2021, pointed to significant lapses in the licensing process, pricing mechanisms, and regulatory oversight.

During a discussion on the report Thursday, Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, referring to AAP’s election symbol — a broom — said, “CAG report se saaf ho gaya hai ki jhaadu wala hi daruwala hai (CAG report has made it clear that the one with the broom is also the one who sells liquor).”

“The previous government indulged in corruption and destroyed their phones to avoid investigation… This policy favoured some people… Strict action should be taken against those who looted Delhi. The culprits should be punished,” he added.

Vishwas Nagar MLA O P Sharma described AAP national convenor as “corrupt (Arvind) Kejriwal who has the mentality of a Maoist”.

After the discussion, the Speaker said, “The CAG report has brought out grave irregularities in the implementation of the excise policy by the AAP government… how the public exchequer incurred huge losses so private firms could profit illegally at the expense of the government.”

He added that the “House is of the unanimous view that this matter should be examined and concluded at the earliest so the guilty are punished”.

“As per established parliamentary procedure, the report will be examined in detail by the PAC and it should submit the report in three months. I’ve directed the Assembly Secretariat to forward the report to the departments concerned immediately. Paragraph-wise comments and action taken notes of the Excise Department should be submitted in a month,” he said.

On Friday, the CAG report on ‘Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services’ will be tabled.