Five-Year financial records of state-run liquor retail units to be cross-verified

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta has ordered a comprehensive audit and cross-verification of financial records of state-run entities involved in liquor retail over the past five years, amid concerns over possible irregularities. She made it clear that any lapse be it negligence, mismatch in accounts, or financial mismanagement will not be tolerated. She noted that recent findings indicate that accounts in some of these undertakings were not properly reconciled for extended periods, raising the risk of discrepancies and potential losses to the public exchequer.

Liquor retail operations in Delhi are currently handled by government entities such as the Delhi Consumer’s Cooperative Wholesale Store (DCCWS), Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC) and Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), all of which run retail outlets across the city. The Chief Minister said the objective is not just to correct records but to establish a robust system of financial oversight. This will involve strict monitoring, reconciliation, and end-to-end verification and validation of accounts.

She has directed all concerned entities to carry out a detailed reconciliation of their financial and operational records for the past five years. The exercise will cover sales, purchase, stock and cash accounts, with every entry subjected to thorough scrutiny. These agencies have also been asked to work closely with the Excise Department to ensure complete verification and validation of records. To strengthen accountability, the Excise Commissioner will independently cross-check data related to sales, inventory, and revenue to identify any instance of financial mismanagement or irregularities.

Striking a firm note, Gupta said strict action will be taken against any official or individual found responsible for discrepancies or losses to government revenue. “Safeguarding public money is our top priority, and there will be zero tolerance for any lapses,” she asserted.

All concerned departments and agencies have been instructed to compile a detailed report of the entire exercise and submit it to the Finance Department within two months from the date of the order. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these measures will not only enhance financial transparency but also make revenue collection more efficient and accountable.