Rs 2,026 Crore Loss To Exchequer Due To Scrapped Delhi Liquor Policy, Says CAG: Report

A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has reportedly revealed a revenue loss of Rs 2,026 crore to the exchequer due to alleged irregularities in the implementation of the now-scrapped liquor policy of the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government.

The leaked CAG report highlights significant lapses, policy deviations, and violations in issuing licences, India Today reported.

The report further stated that the liquor policy did not meet its intended goals and AAP leaders allegedly benefitted from kickbacks.

It highlighted that recommendations made by the expert panel were disregarded by the Group of Ministers (GoM) led by former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

According to the CAG, several key decisions were made without securing approval from the Cabinet or the Lieutenant Governor.

The report, which is yet to be tabled in the Delhi Assembly, revealed that bidding was open to all entities despite complaints, and the financial conditions of the bidders were not scrutinised.

It also noted that licences were issued or renewed even for entities reporting losses.

Launched in November 2021, the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy sought to transform the liquor retail sector in the national capital while increasing revenue generation.

The policy, however, became the subject of controversy after corruption and money laundering charges, leading to investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Several top AAP leaders, including then-Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, were arrested. However, they were granted bail last year.

The CAG report also noted that violators of the liquor policy were deliberately not penalised.

Further, the new rules were not tabled before the Assembly for ratification, contrary to the official procedure.

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