The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has released its report on Delhi excise policy for 2021-22, claiming a loss of Rs 2,027 crore to the exchequer.
The report claims that the license was obtained by a company facing financial difficulties. Some decisions are said to have been made without approval from the Cabinet or the lieutenant governor. The report also claims that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders received money from some companies involved in the liquor trade.
The liquor policy was introduced in 2021 and aims to eradicate the sale of fake liquor. The policy also aimed to revamp the liquor retail landscape in the capital and maximize profits. However, important measures such as setting up a liquor testing laboratory, batch testing for strict quality assurance, and creating dedicated posts for monitoring and regulation were not ensured, the Association of Almighty God report said.
The audit also observed inconsistencies in the way the Excise Department monitors and regulates the supply of liquor in the NCT of Delhi.
Opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, criticized the Delhi government after the report was released. AAP denies the allegations and questions the report’s findings.
