Punjab Liquor Policy: Government Postpones Contract Approval While Waiting On Election Commission Approval

Due to the Election Commission’s clearance, the planned drawings for contracts under Punjab’s new excise policy have been postponed until further instructions. Sibin C, the State Chief Electoral Officer, verified that the Commission is reviewing the government’s request to hold the drawings and would provide additional instructions to the government.

The application of the model code of conduct has caused a delay in the drawings that were scheduled on March 22. The Election Commission’s approval has always been required for excise policy drawings or auctions, as shown in the election years of 2009, 2014, and 2019.

The delay, however, is a blow to the state’s aspirational income targets, which were established by the new excise policy that predicted substantial profits for the Punjab government. With the new policy in place, the government hopes to bring in a record-breaking Rs 10,145.95 crore in income for the fiscal year 2024–2025—a rise of Rs 621.95 crore over the previous year.

With over 35,000 applications for 6,400 stores spread over 236 groupings, the government has received a great deal of interest in the present policy adjustment. The government has already received Rs 260 crore in application fees alone as a result of this tremendous reaction.

But the government’s problems have become worse because of the draw’s delay, which was brought on by the postponement on March 22. The state administration may have to wait two months if the Election Commission mandates that the draw may only take place after the results of the election. This is because the state’s Lok Sabha elections are set for June for their final round.