Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 4: A committee led by PWD Minister Parvesh Verma discussed on Friday the issues of unchanged excise tax rates and maximum retail prices (MRP) of liquor in the capital, officials said. The panel is tasked with drafting a new excise policy for Delhi.

Sources said Delhi loses revenue to nearby NCR cities, including Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, and Gurugram, due to lower excise rates and MRPs. “The excise tax rate in Delhi has not been revised since 2014, and the MRP was last updated three years ago. Revising these will help tap the full potential of the retail liquor trade and generate more revenue,” an official added.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had earlier emphasised that the government was working on a ‘transparent and socially responsible’ excise policy to increase revenue. The draft policy is expected in a couple of months and will be opened for public feedback before Cabinet and Lieutenant Governor approval.

Earlier committee meetings had gathered inputs from manufacturers, retailers, and other stakeholders on issues such as retail margins, ease of business, legal drinking age, and opportunities for private players. Officials noted that fixed margins in Delhi encourage stocking of cheaper brands while limiting availability of high-end liquor, a factor the new policy aims to address.