Punjab CM Captain Amarinder strips Chief Secretary of key duties amid liquor 'Conflict'

Government of Punjab on Tuesday anunced that Chief Secretary of Punjab, Karan Avtar Singh, who was in charge of post of Financial Commissioner, Taxation would be relieved from his duties. This development comes after state council of ministers raised objection against IAS Karan Avtar Singh suggesting that liquor policy was on standstill because of bureaucracy's 'conflict of interest'. A. Venu Pras who is alrey Principal Secretary of Water Resources, Mines & Geology, as well as Chairman/MD of State Transmission Corporation, will take over ditional charge as Financial Commissioner, Taxation. 

Thanking him for taking this decision, Congress MLA Amarinder Singh Raja who h been one of main persons to raise  objection to Chief Secretary expressed his gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. 

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Face-off between Chief secretary and ministers

Punjab ministers and chief secretary Karan Avtar Singh on Saturday engd in a heated argument at pre-cabinet meeting over revision of excise policy. At meeting, Technical Education Minister Charanjit Singh Channi allegedly opposed any relief for liquor vend owners in excise policy under discussion. chief secretary h allegedly me some "curt remarks" after Channi spoke. Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Bal and Channi h n walked out. It was reportedly followed by or ministers after some time. development led to postponement of cabinet meeting scheduled for that day.

Liquor-vend owners in Punjab have been pressing for a waiver in license fee, demanding fee to be taken on basis of actual liquor sales as against fixed quota system. 

While excise and taxation department has permitted liquor vends to open during curfew relaxation, it has also given permission to liquor contractors for home delivery keeping in mind social distancing amid pandemic. Currently, re is provision of home delivery of liquor in Punjab Excise Act and Excise Rules. Many liquor contractors, however, are t in favour of home delivery of liquor, saying it will increase ir cost of operation and encour smuggling.

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