CAG Report on Delhi Liquor Policy

AAP is in Trouble. One after One CAG Reports. If they had tabled these reports during their tenure in assembly, they could provide clarification on points raised in reports but they choose to maintain silence. Over-Confidence or Arrogance or Belief they would win once again in 2025, whatsoever reason.

Just to maintain their Credibility and to avoid any controversary later, this time CAG did not provide notional figures based on some assumptions as happened in 2G and Coal Case, but worked thoroughly on all areas covered under the Report.

Below are the key highlights based on the report:

■ Significant Revenue Loss:

The report estimates a cumulative revenue loss of approx ₹2,002 Cr due to deficiencies in formulation & implementation of Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. Specific losses include:

₹890 Cr due to the failure to re-tender surrendered retail licenses.

₹941 Cr from exemptions granted to zonal licensees.

₹144 Cr from an irregular waiver of license fees during COVID-19 restrictions.

₹27 Cr from incorrect collection of security deposits.

■ Licensing Irregularities:

Licenses were issued without verifying solvency, audited financial statements, sales data, or criminal antecedents.

■ Quality Control Failures:

Inadequate quality assurance was a major concern. Many test reports did not comply with Bureau of Indian Standards norms, with missing or outdated reports on water quality, harmful ingredients, heavy metals, methyl alcohol, and microbiological substances.

51% of foreign liquor test reports were either over a year old or lacked dates, and some tests were conducted by unaccredited labs.

■ Monopolization and Cartelization:

Three wholesalers controlled 71% of the liquor supply, manipulating prices and limiting consumer choice.

■ Procedural and Enforcement Lapses:

Weak regulatory functioning failed to plug revenue leakages or curb smuggling effectively. The lack of a real-time barcode tracking system allowed non-duty-paid liquor to enter the market, undermining revenue and oversight.

■ Policy Implementation Shortcomings:

Key measures like establishing liquor testing labs, batch testing for quality, and creating a dedicated regulatory post were not implemented. Decisions with revenue implications (e.g., fee waivers, pricing changes) were made without Cabinet or Lieutenant Governor approval.

These findings point to systemic issues in policy design, regulatory oversight, and enforcement, resulting in significant financial losses and compromised public safety. The report was tabled in the Delhi Assembly on February 25, 2025, sparking political contention between the ruling BJP and the opposition AAP.

Will Conclude with :

मुँह में शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य और विकास पर बगल में शराब, शराब और सिर्फ शराब।