Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday issued a stern warning to Excise Department officials, stating that the government would not remain passive if any actions were taken that could tarnish its image. He also indicated that the state may consider legal changes to enable the transfer of Excise Department officials to other departments if necessary.

The Chief Minister made the remarks during a review meeting of the Excise Department held at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, following recent developments in which the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged that the department functioned like an organised syndicate involving public officials, their associates and private individuals in the collection of bribes. The allegations came after statewide raids conducted earlier this week.

Addressing officials, Shivakumar said that the dignity of the government and its departments must be upheld through professional conduct and accountability. He warned that any behaviour damaging the government’s reputation would invite strict action, adding that officials should not assume their positions are permanent or beyond administrative changes.

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He further stated that the government is examining the possibility of introducing legal provisions to facilitate transfers of Excise Department personnel to other departments, if required. Shivakumar emphasised that officials must work with caution and ensure that departmental functioning does not lead to reputational damage for the administration.

The Chief Minister also highlighted administrative reforms underway in the Excise Department, noting that 574 new licences have been proposed for e-auction and that steps are being taken to allow licence renewal payments in instalments. He said such measures are aimed at improving efficiency and revenue generation while maintaining transparency in operations.

Referring to practices in neighbouring states, Shivakumar urged officials to set higher performance benchmarks and adopt professional standards that enhance the department’s credibility. He reiterated that while growth targets are important, they must be achieved without compromising integrity, warning that failure to do so would result in strict action from the government.

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