CAG PEELS LAYERS OF DELHI EXCISE POLICY SCAM

The Delhi government's ambitious 2021-22 Excise Policy—touted as a revolutionary step to revamp liquor trade, increase transparency and boost state revenue—has been exposed as a complete failure by a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report.

- SHEKHAR SINGH @New Delhi

Instead of streamlining the liquor distribution process and increasing revenue, the policy led to a staggering loss of ₹2,002.68 crore due to financial mismanagement, policy loopholes, and corruption.

This newspaper was the first to report the excise policy scam.

The report, tabled in the Delhi Assembly by the newly formed BJP government, has ignited a political storm and deepened legal troubles for the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) top leadership, including former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, ex-deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh.

They are already facing legal scrutiny, with allegations of corruption and money laundering tied to the policy's implementation.

The three AAP leaders were arrested by CBI and the Enforcement Directorate and are out on bail.

Beyond the political ramifications, the CAG's findings reveal the economic impact of a policy marred by rushed execution, blatant deviations, and a disregard for financial prudence.