Shakeel Akhter
Ranchi: A calculated conspiracy saw the controversial Chhattisgarh liquor scam model being transplanted into Jharkhand’s excise policy, resulting in a staggering ₹448 crore loss to the state exchequer. This was executed by sidelining strong objections raised by the Revenue Council, and appointing a tainted advisor at ₹1 crore consultancy fee to facilitate the transition.
Revenue Council’s Objections Ignored
The Jharkhand Revenue Council had firmly opposed handing over both wholesale and retail liquor trade to the Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited (JSBCL), citing past revenue losses and flawed policy precedents. Despite this, the Excise Department advanced with its plan, modeled on the scam-ridden Chhattisgarh system, where similar mechanisms had led to widespread corruption.
Tripathi’s Dubious Appointment and Policy Overhaul
The department, under the guise of revenue augmentation post-COVID, sent a delegation to study Chhattisgarh’s liquor policy. Subsequently, the study report—lacking formal referencing—recommended implementing the same model. Arunpati Tripathi, alleged kingpin of the Chhattisgarh scam, was then appointed as policy advisor at ₹1 crore fee. The very next day, a meeting involving Tripathi, JSBCL, and excise officials projected a 15% revenue boost with the new policy. Based on Tripathi’s advice, Jharkhand adopted a policy mirroring Chhattisgarh’s—entrusting JSBCL with both wholesale and retail sales.
Ignored Precedents of Revenue Loss
The Revenue Council had detailed past policy outcomes:
– From 2009–12, private retail and wholesale led to 20% revenue growth.
– Between 2012–17, private retail with JSBCL wholesale saw mixed results: two years of 20% growth, followed by lower growth.
– From 2017–19, with both roles handled by JSBCL, revenue stagnated.
– In 2019–20, reverting to private retail sales doubled the revenue.
Yet, despite this data, the department reinstated the dual-control JSBCL model. The council questioned how revenue would increase by repeating a previously failed approach.
