Corruption in Uttar Pradesh’s excise department faced another blow with the suspension of Gautam Buddh Nagar’s top officer over serious overcharging charges. The zero-tolerance era under CM Yogi Adityanath continues unabated, sending ripples through administrative circles.
The allegations paint a picture of systemic overpricing in liquor-related permissions, where applicants were allegedly coerced into paying 20-30% above norms. This not only inflated costs for consumers indirectly but also siphoned off rightful government revenue.
Acting on a tip-off and corroborated complaints, excise officials conducted a surprise audit, leading to the immediate suspension. The order bars the officer from official duties and mandates cooperation in the ongoing inquiry, which may involve forensic accounting.
UP’s excise revenue, crucial for development projects, has seen enhanced collections post-reforms, but isolated rotten apples threaten progress. This suspension follows a pattern, with at least 15 officials disciplined in the last six months alone.
Analysts argue for tech-driven solutions like blockchain for license tracking to eliminate human interference. As the case unfolds, it underscores the administration’s resolve to foster a clean governance model. The message to errant officials is unequivocal: mend your ways or face the consequences.