Delhi to unveil new excise policy by month-end, aims for transparent liquor trade

The Delhi government is poised to roll out a new excise policy by the end of this month, aiming to implement a more transparent, accountable, and modern system for the sale and distribution of alcohol in the national capital. A committee led by Chief Secretary Dharmendra Kumar has been tasked with drafting the comprehensive policy, with recommendations expected to be submitted to the Rekha Gupta-led government before the June 30 deadline. This move signifies a significant overhaul of the existing framework, with the government prioritizing a robust and corruption-free excise system.

The initiative follows the controversial 2021 liquor policy, which was introduced under the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government but subsequently withdrawn amidst allegations of widespread corruption and irregularities. That previous policy led to the arrest of senior AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, and is widely seen as a contributing factor to the party’s recent electoral setbacks. Learning from these past mistakes, the new government is consulting other states to adopt best practices, ensuring a framework that restores public trust.

The revamped policy's key objectives include a significant increase in government revenue, a clampdown on the illegal liquor trade, enhanced consumer safety, and the maintenance of social harmony. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has particularly emphasized that social security will remain a top priority, with the policy designed to avoid any adverse impact on vulnerable sections of society. Proposed reforms also include scientific testing of liquor quality, digitization of the sales system, stricter enforcement against illicit sales, and a transparent licensing process. Once submitted, the Delhi Cabinet will review and finalize the draft, aiming to streamline excise operations and foster greater accountability in the capital.