Eight months after the Delhi government launched its Excise Policy 2021-22, it’s failed to achieve any of its targets. The policy – rolled out with much fanfare on November 17 – aimed to increase government revenue, promote consumer choice, prevent monopoly on liquor sale, and provide for equitable distribution of shops, among other targets. Critically, it handed over the sale of liquor entirely to private players.
The policy’s failure has now spiralled into a political circus: Delhi lieutenant governor VK Saxena suspended 11 officials for “serious lapses”; the Aam Aadmi Party accused Saxena’s predecessor of extending “special favours” to certain people; and the Bharatiya Janata Party accused the AAP of “irregularities”.
