The Haryana Excise and Taxation Department is aiming to bring more transparency in the functioning of the department. A move is also on to check the smuggling of liquor from Haryana. The state government also wants to increase the revenue of the Excise and Taxation Department.

The liquor vends will continue to be allotted through draw of lots in the state, but the ahatas in the state are set to be modernised under the new excise policy. According to Haryana Finance Minister Birender Singh, a new name on the pattern of tavern in Chandigarh is likely to be given to the ahatas in Haryana.

Ishwar Singh, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Fatehabad, had been compulsorily retired on February 14 on the charge of using unfair means during departmental examinations. According to sources, the government had sought the consent of the Haryana Public Service Commission on the issue. When the Commission made certain observations last month, the state authorities decided to overlook it and take clearance from the State Council of Ministers instead. The Chief

Secretary’s order was issued in anticipation of the approval of the Haryana Cabinet, say sources.

Earlier, Ishwar Sing had been promoted to the HCS from the Agriculture Department. He had appeared in the departmental examination in 2002. A year later, the government had constituted an inquiry following a complaint regarding copying in the revenue law exam.