New Delhi: 

In a bid to overhaul Delhi’s liquor regulation landscape, the Aam Aadmi Party-led government is preparing to introduce a new Excise Policy that promises transparency, modernisation, and an unyielding focus on public welfare.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who underlined the policy’s core objective, ensuring social security while rooting out corruption that allegedly tainted the previous regime’s excise framework.

Drafting of policy currently under process:

A high-level committee, chaired by Delhi’s Chief Secretary Dharmendra Kumar, is spearheading the policy drafting process. The panel is consulting stakeholders, reviewing the Capital’s past excise policies, and studying successful models implemented across other Indian states. The committee’s work is expected to conclude by June 30, following which recommendations will be submitted for government approval.

Key features under consideration include:

Scientific testing to ensure liquor quality,

Digitisation of the sales and distribution system,

Strict action against illicit liquor trade,

Transparency in the licensing process.

Awareness campaigns to be launched: CM Gupta

The Chief Minister also announced that public awareness campaigns will be launched to discourage misuse of alcohol and deter consumption in public spaces. Enforcement mechanisms will be strengthened to protect minors and ensure accountability across the distribution network.

Gupta was unsparing in her criticism of the previous excise regime, which was scrapped following a series of controversies and legal probes. “The former policy was neither transparent nor in the public interest. It favoured select private players at the cost of Delhi’s taxpayers,” she alleged, claiming it led to significant revenue losses and jail time for several senior leaders, including the former Chief Minister.

An official statement reiterated the government’s intention to design a policy that blends administrative efficiency with social responsibility.  Notably, the Excise Department will assist the high-level committee in completing the policy framework, ensuring smooth implementation and enforcement post-approval.

Addressing reporters on Friday, CM Gupta affirmed that the new policy would go beyond revenue goals and prioritise the safety, health, and dignity of vulnerable communities. “We consider the trust of the people of Delhi paramount. Learning from the past government’s mistakes, we are crafting a policy that leaves no room for corruption,” she said.

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