Chhattisgarh: Rs 4.32 crore Worth Liquor Home Delivery in a Single Day; Opposition Slams the Government

Raipur: Chhattisgarh witnessed home delivery of liquor worth Rs 4.32 crore on 10 May till late evening. This sale was recorded after the state government sanctioned the home delivery of liquor during the lockdown. As per sources, nearly 29,000 customers placed home delivery orders, on an average order of Rs 1,438 per customer.

 An order issued by the state commercial taxes department to the excise commissioner in this regard on Saturday came into effect on Monday. Officials rationalize the move stating attempts to curb illegal manufacture, sale, transport, and possession of liquor during the lockdown. As per the notice, home delivery of liquor is allowed between from 9 am to 8 pm. Twenty-four centres have been set up in state capital Raipur to facilitate online booking for home delivery. The customers can order up to five litres of liquor at a time and ₹ 100 will be charged for the home delivery service available within 15 km of the shop. 

 The Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL) will decide which shops will provide the home delivery service and customers will have to make the payment in advance while placing the order. The orders can be placed through the CSMCL mobile app. 

To this lush sale of liquor, the Opposition BJP has criticized the state government over the move. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted,” that at a time when people have lost their lives and are engaged in saving lives by supplying oxygen supply, cylinders, health equipment, hospital beds and medicines on a war footing, Chhattisgarh’s priority is to provide home access to liquor services.”