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The Delhi government is likely to come up with a new excise policy aimed at boosting revenue and enhancing customer experience, said a source.
“Currently, nothing is on paper but discussions are going on to bring some changes in the existing policy to boost revenue, stop the illegal liquor supplying from NCR, and upgrade the shops to provide services to the people… The key aim is to boost revenue and there are no such plans to include private players as of now. At present, the policy has been extended till June. Another extension is likely till the new policy is ready,” said a senior government officer.
Meanwhile, the BJP government in a statement said that CM Rekha Gupta directed the officials at a review meeting on Wednesday to stop liquor smuggling from the neighbouring states and ensure revenue growth.
“Illegal liquor smuggling will be completely stopped and revenue growth will be ensured. No loss of revenue will be allowed. Our government is committed to a transparent and effective excise policy” Gupta said in a post on X.
The current policy was rolled out after the previous AAP government withdrew a contentious excise policy in September 2021. The withdrawal happened following the registration of a case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the policy were alleged.
A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, tabled by the Rekha Gupta-led government in the Assembly on February 25, stated that the Delhi government incurred cumulative losses of over Rs 2,000 crore during the 2021-2022 period
In the current policy, the retail business of liquor is controlled by four government-run corporations. Delhi currently has a network of over 700 liquor shops and more than 900 hotels, clubs, and restaurants where alcohol is served.
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