Urging all potential bidders to participate in the upcoming liquor vend auctions without fear, Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department) Sumita Misra on Tuesday assured them of full administrative support and security. "The government stands firmly behind law-abiding bidders. No individual should feel threatened or discouraged from participating in a legitimate government process. We will ensure full security to every participant," Misra stated.
Liquor traders are facing tough times in the State due to a variety of reasons, including threats from criminals. Though muscle power and highhandedness have always been an integral part of the liquor business in Haryana, large-scale violence and threats to potential bidders have never been a norm in the past. But the June 13 killing of a liquor contractor at Kurukshetra has triggered panic among the liquor traders across the state. This was followed by several firing incidents and threats to potential bidders in Rohtak and Yamunanagar.
What is more worrying for the Government is the fact that liquor shops across all zones (a zone comprises an English and a country liquor wine shop) in nearly 20 of the State's 22 districts have remained "unauctioned", even after five rounds of online auction. Worse, a large number of liquor shops in "high-potential" zones, including in Gurugram, Faridabad, Panchkula and Yamunanagar, are still waiting for allottees.
Going by statistics, the Government has pegged excise revenue at Rs 14,063 crore for 2025-2026 financial year. Till now, the Excise Department has been able to auction 934 liquor zones, netting Rs 11,054 crore. Still, there are no takers for 260 liquor zones, with a reserve price of Rs 3,980 crore. In Yamunanagar alone, 45 of the 55 liquor zones have failed to attract any bidders.
Moreover, while chairing a law and order review meeting with Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), and District Excise and Taxation Commissioners (DETCs) from Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Jind, Hisar, Rohtak, Karnal, and Ambala districts, the additional Chief Secretary unequivocally stated that the state government will not tolerate any form of threat or interference in the upcoming auctions.
Taking serious note of reports indicating potential collusion between local miscreants and anti-social elements to intimidate participants, Misra directed police and intelligence agencies to immediately identify such individuals. To enhance security, she directed district intelligence units to prepare detailed profiles of habitual troublemakers and maintain constant surveillance on their movements. Police have been told to watch for suspicious people or vehicles moving around or gathering, she added.
To build confidence among potential bidders, Misra directed the DCs and SPs of the concerned districts to hold direct dialogues with them. These meetings will serve as platforms to address security concerns and reassure participants of the government's unwavering support. "Deputy Commissioners and SPs must actively reach out, listen to concerns, and provide assurances that robust law-and-order arrangements are in place. The message must be loud and clear: no one will be allowed to derail this process," she stressed.
Reiterating the state’s zero-tolerance policy, Misra warned that any laxity on the part of local administration or police would be viewed seriously. "The integrity of the auction process is non-negotiable. If any officer is found negligent or complicit, strict departmental action will follow."
She further emphasized the importance of video surveillance, the deployment of additional police forces in vulnerable zones, and close coordination with Excise Department officers to ensure the smooth and transparent conduct of the auctions.