Delhi Liquor Policy: The CBI on Sunday summoned Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with alleged irregularities and corruption in the formulation and implementation of the new excise policy in Delhi.
The CBI questioned Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the matter of liquor policy.
liquor policy issue Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia inquired from. The CBI on Sunday summoned Manish Sisodia in connection with alleged irregularities and corruption in the formulation and implementation of the new excise policy in Delhi. Delhi’s Kejriwal government had abolished the Excise Policy 2021-22 on July 31, 2022. After this the new excise policy was brought. The BJP had strongly objected to the new excise policy. In this regard, allegations were leveled against the AAP government that businessmen are being unfairly benefited through the new policy.
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi also admitted that there were many shortcomings in the policy. He had recommended a probe by the CBI regarding the irregularities in the new liquor policy. Know, what is the new liquor policy of the Delhi government, about which there was so much ruckus and on what points objections were raised.
What is Delhi’s new liquor policy?
The Kejriwal government had implemented a new excise policy for the sale of liquor, issuance of licenses and operation of contract bars in the national capital. Through this policy, the Delhi government wanted to change the experience of buying liquor and in the new policy, licenses were issued by dividing Delhi into 32 zones. Due to this policy, the Delhi government was accused of benefiting big businessmen, while small businessmen were said to be at a loss.
In the new liquor policy, hotels were allowed to keep bars, clubs and restaurants open till 3 am. They were given permission to serve liquor at any place including terrace, gallery, outdoor space. Whereas in the old policy there was a ban on serving liquor in the open. Not only this, the restriction on the shelf life of bottles opened at the bar counter was lifted.
Liquor easily available in every area
After raising objections to the new liquor policy, it was reviewed by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. He said that under the new policy, loopholes were deliberately made in the tender process so that the licensees could be benefited in a wrong way. The capital was divided into 32 zones and 849 licenses were allotted for it. Out of this, about 650 shops have opened. Means 25 to 26 shops in every zone. 8-9 wards were included under one zone. In this situation, there are 3 liquor shops in each ward. Through this, liquor is becoming easily available in every area and liquor is being promoted.
Objections were raised on these points
- In the old policy, 60 percent of the shops were government owned and only 40 percent were in private hands, but under the new policy, 100 percent of the shops were given to private hands.
- In the new policy, the legal drinking age in Delhi was reduced from 25 years to 21 years. It was also seen from the point of view of promoting alcohol.
- International airport is selling 24 hours in open shops and hotels. This limit was extended till 3 in the morning.
- Liquor shops used to be in 150 square feet area earlier, in the new policy conditionally 500 square feet space has been fixed for them. This caused problems to small shopkeepers because the appearance of big shops also affects the customer.
- Licensees are doing home delivery of liquor by taking orders through mobile app or service website.
- The opposition party, especially the BJP, had alleged that Delhi’s Kejriwal government has done corruption through the new liquor policy.
- Not only this, it was also objected that only 16 traders can be allowed in the market through the new policy and this will lead to monopoly.
- Many small vendors selling liquor in Delhi have closed their shops. He has alleged that big businessmen have been giving huge discounts and in such a situation it becomes almost impossible to do business.
: Language Inputs