
Fri Jun 13 20:16:15 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
**Headline: Delhi to Roll Out New Excise Policy Aiming for Transparency, Accountability**
**New Delhi, June 14, 2025** – The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, announced plans to implement a new excise policy designed to bring transparency and accountability to the sale and distribution of liquor in the city. The announcement comes after the previous excise policy (2021-22) implemented by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government was scrapped amidst allegations of corruption and financial irregularities, resulting in the arrest of key AAP leaders including former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
A high-level committee, headed by Chief Secretary Dharmendra, is currently reviewing excise policies from other states to incorporate best practices. The committee is expected to finalize recommendations by June 30th, which will then be presented to the government.
Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that the new policy aims to eliminate corruption and prioritize public interest, learning from the mistakes of the past. Key features of the proposed policy include:
* Scientific testing of liquor quality.
* Digitization of the sales system.
* Strict action against illegal sales.
* Transparency in the licensing process.
Gupta also assured the public that the government would take steps to ensure the new policy will not adversely affect sensitive sections of the population.
The previous excise policy faced criticism after a Comptroller and Auditor General report revealed a loss of approximately ₹2,002 crore to the state exchequer. The current government has alleged the former policy favored private companies at the expense of public revenue and legal process.