MANDI: The Himachal Pradesh government’s new excise policy, aimed to generate Rs 2,800 crore in revenue, has run into political and public criticism after the state was forced to take over the running of unauctioned liquor vends.
With more than 200 liquor shops failing to attract private buyers, the government assigned their operation to local municipal bodies — most notably in the state capital Shimla — triggering a political storm.
In Shimla alone, 19 liquor outlets are now being operated directly by the Municipal Corporation where over 20 civic staff members, 18 Home Guards and seven inspectors have been deployed to manage liquor sales.
This reallocation of personnel has led to municipal offices, especially the Tax and Estate branches, being virtually deserted, sparking questions over administrative priorities.
The move has drawn strong reactions from opposition leaders. BJP MLA from Dharamshala, Sudhir Sharma, lambasted the government on social media, sarcastically calling the initiative the “Sukh-Sharab Yojana – Piyo, Pilao Aur Jhumo (drink, serve and dance), with the police ensuring you get home safely.”
His post triggered a wave of online criticism, with citizens accusing the government of misplacing its governance agenda. Many users commented, “This is what they meant by ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ (systemic change).”
Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also waded into the controversy, sharing newspaper clippings and questioning the ethics and transparency behind the new policy. He alleged that the liquor shop auctions were manipulated and that the entire policy was laced with irregularities.
The government, while defending its move, claims the policy has led to a 40 per cent increase in state revenue compared to the previous year.
However, critics argue that this financial gain comes at the cost of compromising the role of essential civic services and undermining institutional efficiency.
As questions mount and political tempers rise, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government finds itself battling the perception of turning government employees into liquor vendors—a move many feel crosses the line between fiscal policy and administrative absurdity.
Munish Sood
