Delhi’s New Excise Policy Nears Rollout: Rekha Gupta Puts Social Welfare First
From controversy to clean governance—Delhi’s liquor policy revamp eyes safety, transparency, and public accountability.
New Delhi, June 14: The Delhi government is just weeks away from releasing a long-anticipated excise policy overhaul, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stating that “social security will be our foremost concern.” After months of closed-door deliberations and consultations, officials say the groundwork is nearly done. But this isn’t just a regulatory reset—it’s a political reckoning.
A Policy Under Watch, And A Clock Ticking
Inside the corridors of Delhi Secretariat, there’s been a flurry of movement. The committee drafting the new policy—helmed by Chief Secretary Dharmendra Kumar—has been burning the midnight oil. They’ve reviewed everything from failed local experiments to more streamlined systems running in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and elsewhere.
Sources say the new draft is expected to lean heavily on scientific testing, digital tracking, and a cleaner licensing structure. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, called it “a complete clean-up—not just of the liquor trade, but of how we govern it.”
The policy is due before June 30—a hard deadline tied to the expiry of Delhi’s current interim framework.
After The Storm: Learning From AAP’s Collapse
Much of the urgency stems from the 2021–22 debacle, when the then-ruling AAP government pushed through an aggressive liberalisation of liquor sales. That move—initially touted as bold reform—spiraled into one of the city’s most high-profile controversies.
What followed was a political and legal minefield. Allegations of corruption, shady contracts, and revenue losses triggered investigations by both the CBI and ED. Key figures were arrested. The policy was scrapped. Delhi fell back on an older, cobbled-together structure by late 2022.
CM Gupta knows this history isn’t easy to shake off. Which is why this time, her administration is placing public interest and ethical governance front and centre.
What’s Changing: From Barcodes To Public Campaigns
This is not just a bureaucratic facelift. Officials say the new system will overhaul the very mechanics of how liquor is sold, moved, and tracked across the city.
Expect to see:
- Barcoded bottles, digitally mapped from warehouse to wine shop.
- Real-time monitoring to curb smuggling and duplicate stocks.
- A redesigned licence application system with fewer human touchpoints.
- Tighter rules on public consumption, especially near schools, residential zones, and religious places.
Sources also confirmed that the policy includes a strong public health component. That means not just regulation, but also education—through awareness drives and community engagement.
Gupta, in recent meetings, reportedly pushed hard on this. “We want a city that’s safe—not just from crime, but from systemic neglect,” she told a group of officials, according to a person present.
Traders Wary, But Hopeful
Among the city’s liquor vendors, reactions have been cautious. “We just want clarity,” said one shop owner in Laxmi Nagar, adding that the past three years have been turbulent. “We don’t mind rules. Just don’t keep changing them every budget cycle.”
Some vendors fear tighter digital controls could lead to compliance hurdles or short-term losses. But others welcome the idea of a structured system, as long as the rules apply evenly.
Public health experts are also watching closely. Dr. Sameer Joshi, who runs an alcohol addiction helpline in North Delhi, said, “If they can follow through on the testing, education, and community safeguards—this could actually help curb abuse.”
Not Just Revenue—Responsibility
Traditionally, excise has been a cash cow for city governments. In Delhi, the sector rakes in thousands of crores each year. But Gupta’s team insists they’re not chasing figures. “This time, we’re not looking at the top line—we’re looking at the societal cost,” said an official from the finance department.
One proposal being floated: limiting hours for retail sales. Another: phasing out certain categories of high-alcohol, low-cost brands notorious for misuse. Nothing has been finalised yet, but the intent is clear—less chaos, more control.
Final Draft Nears: All Eyes On June 30
The Chief Secretary’s committee is expected to present the final draft by the end of the month. A cabinet review will follow. Implementation could begin as early as July, though sources say the rollout will likely be phased.
There’s no illusion this will be smooth. But Gupta appears to be betting that Delhi is ready for a break from the past—a model that’s strict, yes, but steady.
And perhaps that’s what the city needs. Not another big experiment. Just something that works.
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Raj Chaubey is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, specializing in political and geopolitical news. As a student at Delhi University, Raj combines academic rigor with a commitment to investigative journalism, aiming to uncover the broader implications of current events. His daily articles strive to offer our audience a deeper understanding of complex political landscapes and their global connections.
- Raj Chaubeyhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/raj_c/
- Raj Chaubeyhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/raj_c/
- Raj Chaubeyhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/raj_c/
- Raj Chaubeyhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/raj_c/
