The state of panic has increased in the bureaucracy of Punjab since the time Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been conducting raids in the state. The raids being carried out in Punjab are about the Delhi Excise Policy Scam.
On Tuesday residences of Excise Officer, Naresh Dubey and Excise Commissioner Punjab, Varun Roojam were raided by the ED, after which a lot of discussions regarding the same have been taking place in the bureaucracy.
This is for the first time In Punjab that the higher officials of the government have come under the radar of the Central Agency and especially the ED.
Although this matter remained the center of discussion in the Civil Secretariat, but no official statement has been given by any of the senior officers of the IAS Association regarding this matter.
The senior officers have said that far-fetched for any central agency to question the IAS Officers regarding Punjab's liquor policy or any other policy questions like these have never been asked. According to the ED officials, Excise Commissioner Punjab, Varun Roojam and Excise Officer, Naresh Kumar Dubey were given a list of regular questions only which included questions related to Punjab's liquor policy and L-1 licenses.
ED officials have also asked Punjab officials about the role of Delhi Politicians and officials in Punjab's Liquor Policy. The officials of Punjab have said that only those companies which got the L1 license in Delhi have got the same in Punjab.
After the formation of the AAP government in Punjab, the liquor policy was passed in the month of June. This policy, came into effect on July 1 after which the bidding for contracts and other licenses was given.
Punjab Officials have argued that Punjab is being targeted on the pretext of the Delhi Excise Policy Scam which is also acting as a hindrance in the working of the system.
They also said that the state government should raise the issue with the central government about the activities of the ED and central agencies.