Patiala Division Leads Punjab’s GST Growth, Ludhiana Tops Collections in Q1 FY 2025-26
FM Cheema Reviews Excise and Taxation Department, Orders Enhanced Enforcement
Chandigarh, July 18,
Punjab’s Patiala GST division recorded an impressive 40% growth in GST collections during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025-26, outperforming all other divisions in the state. This was revealed during a quarterly review meeting of the Excise and Taxation Department, chaired by Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema. Following Patiala, Ropar division achieved a 34.97% growth rate, and Amritsar division recorded 30.26%. The department also met its excise revenue targets, supported by robust enforcement efforts that significantly curbed illicit liquor trade.
While Patiala led in growth rate, Ludhiana division topped the state in gross GST collections, amassing ₹1,998.76 crore, a 23.89% increase from the ₹1,613 crore collected in Q1 FY 2024-25. In Q1 FY 2025-26, Ropar division collected ₹1,315.66 crore, Amritsar division ₹687.19 crore, and Patiala division ₹679 crore, compared to ₹975.53 crore, ₹527.54 crore, and ₹484.98 crore, respectively, in the same period last year.
Finance Minister Cheema praised the exemplary performance of the top-performing divisions and urged others to follow their lead. He held detailed discussions with the Deputy Commissioner State Tax (DCST) and division in-charges, analyzing their strengths and identifying areas for improvement.
During the meeting, Cheema reviewed the status of GST and VAT arrears, urging officers to adopt innovative recovery strategies. He also evaluated ongoing GST inspections, including the number of inspections conducted and cases resolved in Q1, and issued directives for the prompt resolution of pending cases.
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The performance of the enforcement wings of both the Excise and Taxation departments was thoroughly assessed. Discussions highlighted the efforts of the State Intelligence and Preventive Unit (SIPU) in curbing tax evasion. Excise teams presented a comprehensive report on their actions against illicit liquor and alcohol smuggling from other states. Cheema expressed satisfaction with the enforcement wings’ performance and encouraged them to intensify their efforts further.
Additionally, the Finance Minister reviewed GST and VAT appeal cases, focusing on both pending and newly filed cases in Q1 FY 2025-26. He emphasized rigorous follow-up, particularly on cases involving hooch tragedies and illicit liquor trade, to ensure legal accountability. Cheema also directed Excise teams to strengthen enforcement activities to completely eliminate bootlegging in Punjab.
Among those present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner, Excise, Dhirendra Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Taxation, Ajit Balaji Joshi, and Excise and Taxation Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal.
