Rajya Sabha member Sonal Mansingh on Monday criticized the huge discounts that were earlier being offered by liquor vendors in the national capital and said there was a need to curb policies that cause pain to society.
Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, she said, "I urge the government to take cognisance of this issue so that such policies which cause pain to society could be curbed."
Criticising the new excise policy of the Delhi Government and massive discounts that were offered on liquor, she said public opposed it and staged protests at many places. “But the Delhi Government remained unfazed. When the Delhi High Court took cognisance of this scheme, this scheme was closed in hurry," Mansingh said.
Following protests from the public, liquor vendors were blamed invoking certain clauses, she added.
The Delhi excise commissioner, on February 28, had passed an order discontinuing any discount or rebate on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of liquor.
The order referred to reports of large crowds at liquor stores as well as unhealthy market practices as the reason for the discontinuation of discounts, and said the vendors are indulging in promotional activities which is prohibited under the Delhi Excise Act.
The Delhi High Court on March 8 dismissed pleas seeking to stay the decision of the Delhi government prohibiting any discount or rebate on the MRP of liquor in the national capital.
