FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA REVIEWS PERFORMANCE OF EXCISE AND TAXATION DEPARTMENT, DIRECTS IMPROVEMENTS
DIRECTS EXCISE TEAMS TO INTENSIFY ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES TO ELIMINATE BOOTLEGGING
Chandigarh, July 18
The Patiala GST division has recorded an impressive 40 percent growth rate in GST collection during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-26, outpacing all other divisions in Punjab. This was disclosed during the quarterly review meeting of the Excise and Taxation department, chaired by Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema. Following Patiala division in growth were Ropar division with 34.97 percent and Amritsar division with 30.26 percent. The department has also successfully met its excise revenue targets, bolstered by intensified enforcement efforts that have effectively curbed the illicit liquor trade.
While Patiala division led in growth rate, Ludhiana division registered the highest gross GST collection across the state, bringing in Rs. 1998.76 crore, a significant increase of 23.89 percent compared to the same period in FY 2024-25. In the first quarter of FY 2025-26, Ropar division collected Rs 1315.66 crore, Amritsar division Rs 687.19 crore, and Patiala division Rs 679 crore. These figures represent a substantial rise from the previous fiscal year’s first quarter, where Ludhiana division collected Rs 1613 crore, Ropar division Rs. 975.53 crore, Amritsar division Rs. 527.54 crore, and Patiala division Rs. 484.98 crore.
Finance Minister Cheema commended the diligent efforts of the departmental teams in the top-performing divisions and encouraged other divisions to emulate their success. He engaged in extensive discussions with the Deputy Commissioner State Tax (DCST), in-charges of these divisions, delving into their areas of excellence and identifying aspects that require improvement.
During the meeting, the Finance Minister also reviewed the status of GST and VAT arrears, encouraging department officers to adopt innovative strategies for their recovery. He further assessed the progress of ongoing GST inspections, including the number of inspections conducted and cases disposed of during the first quarter. He issued directives for the timely resolution of all pending cases.
The performance of the enforcement wings of both the Excise and Taxation departments was also thoroughly reviewed. Discussions focused on the State Intelligence and Preventive Unit’s (SIPU) efforts to curb tax evasion. Additionally, the Excise teams provided a detailed report on their enforcement activities aimed at tackling illicit liquor and the smuggling of alcohol into Punjab from other states. Finance Minister Cheema expressed satisfaction with the enforcement wings’ performance and motivated them to further enhance their efforts.
Finally, the Finance Minister reviewed the status of GST and VAT appeal cases, examining both pending and newly instituted cases during the first quarter of the current fiscal year. He stressed the importance of thorough and continuous follow-up on all these cases, particularly emphasizing the need to pursue cases against individuals involved in hooch tragedies and illicit liquor trade to ensure they face appropriate legal consequences. He also directed the Excise teams to redouble their enforcement activities, ensuring that no bootlegging occurs in the state.
Prominent amongst others, Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner, Excise, Dhirendra Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Taxation, Ajit Balaji Joshi, Excise and Taxation Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal were also present in the meeting.
