A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has revealed a revenue loss of ₹2,026 crore to the Delhi government due to alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped liquor policy. The report uncovers significant lapses, policy violations, and questionable decisions that favored certain entities, India Today reported.
Introduced in November 2021, the liquor policy aimed to reform Delhi’s liquor trade by increasing revenue and simplifying operations. However, it soon became embroiled in allegations of corruption and financial irregularities.
The CAG report notes that the policy failed to meet its goals, with key recommendations from an expert panel ignored by the Group of Ministers (GoM) led by then-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
The report also alleges that certain Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders benefited from kickbacks linked to the policy, triggering investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). These probes led to the arrests of senior AAP leaders, including then-Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh, all of whom were later granted bail.
The report highlights irregularities in issuing and renewing liquor licences. Bidders with financial losses or complaints were allowed to participate in tenders, and licences were granted or renewed despite clear rule violations. Additionally, penalties for violations were not imposed, indicating deliberate inaction.
The CAG criticized the decision-making process, noting that key decisions bypassed Cabinet approval and the lieutenant governor’s clearance, as required. Furthermore, the new rules were not presented to the Delhi Assembly for ratification, violating standard procedures.
The report raises serious questions about governance and accountability in the policy’s formulation and implementation.
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