FM Harpal Cheema Conducts Surprise Inspection of Excise and Taxation Department
Patiala, June 24
Punjab’s Finance, Taxation, and Excise Minister Harpal Singh Cheema conducted an unannounced inspection at the headquarters of the Excise and Taxation Department in Patiala on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Arriving shortly after lunch, accompanied by the Excise Commissioner, Cheema thoroughly reviewed operations across various branches, scrutinizing records, employee attendance, and pending files.
Key Actions Taken
During the surprise check, Cheema:
- Inspected files on employees’ desks to assess delays in case resolutions.
- Seized records from multiple branches for further investigation and issued immediate directives for follow-up action.
- Examined the functioning of the e-office system to evaluate the efficiency of case and file processing.
- Checked attendance, noting absent officers and employees, particularly those who left their posts without updating the movement register.
watch……https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nxcI__dNZQ Strong Stance Against Delays
Cheema emphasized that delays in processing files or resolving cases constitute corruption. “It is within an officer’s authority to issue a positive or negative report, but deliberate delays will not be tolerated,” he stated. He warned that strict action would be taken against officers and employees found absent without proper documentation.
Addressing Corruption and Efficiency
The minister’s inspection aimed to identify reasons behind delays in file and case disposals. He reviewed ongoing operations, including the e-office system, to ensure timely task completion. Cheema reiterated that even minor delays of a day or two are unacceptable and will be treated as corrupt practices.
Crackdown on Tax Evasion
Responding to a query, Cheema highlighted ongoing efforts to curb tax evasion, particularly by commercial vehicles, especially heavy vehicles, on highways. “We have taken action against GST evasion and other tax-related violations in the past, and such measures will continue,” he affirmed.
