No new liquor shop in Delhi this year: CM Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Wednesday that no new liquor shop will be opened in Delhi this year.

"As far as existing shops are concerned, Mohalla Sabha will take the final call if a particular liquor shop needs to be relocated," Kejriwal said in a press conference.

Earlier, defending his government's decision to hike minimum wages in Delhi, Kejriwal said money in the hands of the poor and middle class, and not "Ambani and Adani", will benefit the country's economy.

Kejriwal said it was to be seen whether BJP and Congress show the courage to take similar decisions in the states ruled by them.

Kejriwal had announced the government's decision the raise wages his Independence Day speech.

As per the proposal, the minimum wages for unskilled person will be Rs 14,052 against the existing Rs 9,568 in the national capital. Besides, the same for semi-skilled and skilled persons will increase from Rs 10,582 to Rs 15,471 and from Rs 11,622 to 17,033 respectively.