BJP slams Himachal govt’s liquor policy, demands revenue transparency

BJP state spokesperson Vivek Sharma has criticised the state government’s liquor policy, alleging that it forces unwilling employees of boards and corporations to sell liquor under duress. He said following the failure to auction liquor vends in Shimla and Kangra districts, the government has been operating over 250 vends by deputing multi-task workers and Class IV employees from various public bodies as sales staff.

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Sharma revealed that 24 employees from the State Forest Development Corporation—including chowkidars, daily wagers, and a peon—were directed to report for duty at a liquor vend in Sawara, Chopal, by May 1. He claimed these workers, reluctant to serve as liquor salesmen, were offered an incentive of Rs 10 per bottle by the Finance Department to encourage compliance.

Condemning the policy, Sharma said, “Despite claiming to promote self-reliance, the government’s mismanagement has caused a loss of Rs 1.5 crore in just two months due to inefficient operation of nearly 250 liquor vends.” He described the move as “unjust and inhumane,” highlighting that some employees are forced to sleep at vends in the absence of proper accommodation, particularly in Shimla district.

Sharma further accused the government of misleading the public with inflated revenue figures. “In the 2023–24 financial year, the government claimed a 40% rise in revenue, with Rs 1,815 crore generated compared to Rs 1,296 crore under the previous regime. But the actual realisation of this estimated revenue has not been disclosed,” he said, calling the increase a “political gimmick.”

He demanded the government publish the actual revenue realised from liquor sales and disclose pending dues across the last three financial years. Expressing skepticism over a cabinet minister’s claim of Rs 2,850 crore revenue in the current fiscal, Sharma remarked that the target seems unrealistic amid ongoing policy failures.

Sharma urged the government to prioritise transparency and fairness in its policies, rather than exploiting vulnerable employees under the guise of administrative reform.