TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 11, 2025: In a major move reflecting its zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the Chhattisgarh government has suspended 22 officials of the Excise Department following an in-depth probe into the ₹3,200 crore liquor scam that occurred during the previous administration’s tenure.
The suspended officials were found to have amassed assets disproportionate to their income between 2019 and 2023. The action follows detailed investigations conducted by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which revealed the existence of a highly organized syndicate that allegedly manipulated liquor procurement and distribution mechanisms for personal enrichment.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, while announcing the suspensions, declared, “Corruption at any level will not be tolerated. We are committed to a transparent, accountable, and honest government. No matter how high the position, no one guilty will be spared.”
He reiterated that all scams from the previous regime—including the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) scam, the Mahadev betting app case, irregularities in tendu leaf distribution, and financial misconduct in CGMSC—are being investigated thoroughly. In the past two years alone, over 200 corrupt officials have faced action from the ACB.
Reforms Strengthening Governance
Under CM Sai’s leadership, the Chhattisgarh government is undertaking sweeping reforms to institutionalize integrity and good governance:
- FL-10 Policy Abolished: To bring transparency in the Excise Department, the FL-10 policy has been scrapped.
- Anti-Counterfeit Measures: Security holograms on liquor bottles have been made mandatory to curb spurious liquor.
- Digitization Initiatives: Mineral transit passes and timber auctions are now fully online.
- E-Governance Boost: GeM portal procurement has been made mandatory, the e-Office system introduced, and over 350 investment-related processes have been streamlined.
- Investor-Friendly Reforms: With the launch of Single Window System 2.0, the NOC process for businesses has been simplified and made technology-driven.
Further, the controversial PSC-2021 exam has been handed over to the CBI for a fair investigation, while alleged irregularities in the Bharatmala project are also under serious scrutiny.
CM Sai said the government is focused not just on administration, but on setting new benchmarks in governance. “This is not merely a government—it is a mission to transform Chhattisgarh. We are winning people’s trust through results. Honesty will now be the identity of governance in the state,” he asserted.
The bold step against Excise Department officials is being seen as a strong message that Chhattisgarh under CM Vishnu Deo Sai is committed to uprooting corruption and fostering a clean, efficient, and transparent administration.
