CAG Report Finds Rs 2,027 Crore Loss In Delhi Liquor Policy

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has come out with a report on the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, alleging a Rs 2,027 crore loss to the exchequer.

The report alleges that companies facing financial difficulties received licenses. Some decisions were allegedly made without approval from the Cabinet or the Lieutenant Governor. The report also alleges that leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received money from some businesses involved in the liquor trade. 

The liquor policy was introduced in the year 2021 and aimed to eradicate the sale of spurious liquor. The policy also intended to revamp the liquor retail landscape in the national capital and maximise revenue. But important measures like the setting up of liquor testing laboratories, batch testing for rigorous quality assurance and monitoring & regulation through the creation of a dedicated post were not ensured, the CAG report states.

The audit also observed discrepancies in the way the excise department monitored and regulated the supply of liquor in the NCT of Delhi. 

Opposition parties, including the BJP, have criticised the Delhi government after the report was released. AAP has denied the allegations and questioned the report’s findings.