PUNJAB NEWS : The Patiala GST Division has posted a remarkable 40% increase in GST collections during the first quarter of the financial year 2025–26, making it the fastest-growing division in Punjab.
This information was shared during the quarterly review meeting of the Excise and Taxation Department, chaired by Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema.
Trailing Patiala in growth were Ropar Division with a 34.97% increase, and Amritsar Division with 30.26% growth. The department also achieved its excise revenue targets, supported by stricter enforcement that has significantly reduced the illegal liquor trade.
While Patiala led in growth percentage, Ludhiana Division recorded the highest overall GST collection, amassing ₹1,998.76 crore—a 23.89% rise over the same period in FY 2024–25.
In terms of actual collections during Q1 of FY 2025–26:
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Ropar Division collected ₹1,315.66 crore
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Amritsar Division collected ₹687.19 crore
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Patiala Division collected ₹679 crore
These figures mark notable increases from Q1 of FY 2024–25, when:
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Ludhiana collected ₹1,613 crore
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Ropar ₹975.53 crore
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Amritsar ₹527.54 crore
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Patiala ₹484.98 crore
Finance Minister Cheema praised the commendable performance of the top-performing divisions and encouraged other divisions to learn from their success. He held in-depth discussions with Deputy Commissioners of State Tax (DCST) and division heads, evaluating their strengths and identifying areas for improvement.
ਵਿੱਤੀ ਸਾਲ 2025-26 ਦੀ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਤਿਮਾਹੀ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਪਟਿਆਲਾ ਜੀ.ਐੱਸ.ਟੀ. ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਜੀ.ਐੱਸ.ਟੀ. ਮਾਲੀਆ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ 40 ਫ਼ੀਸਦੀ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਸ਼ਾਲੀ ਵਾਧਾ ਦਰਜ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀਆਂ ਬਾਕੀ ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਮੋਹਰੀ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਗੱਲ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਵਾ ਵਿੱਤ, ਯੋਜਨਾ, ਆਬਕਾਰੀ ਤੇ ਕਰ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਹਰਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਚੀਮਾ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨਗੀ ਹੇਠ ਹੋਈ… pic.twitter.com/QZIPUmhw0a
— Government of Punjab (@PbGovtIndia) July 18, 2025
The minister also reviewed GST and VAT arrears, urging officers to adopt innovative and effective recovery methods. He assessed the progress of ongoing GST inspections, including the number of inspections carried out and cases resolved in the first quarter, and directed that all pending cases be addressed promptly.
The performance of enforcement units within the Excise and Taxation departments was thoroughly evaluated, particularly the efforts of the State Intelligence and Preventive Unit (SIPU) in combating tax evasion.
Excise teams also presented a detailed account of actions taken against illicit liquor and alcohol smuggling from other states. Minister Cheema expressed satisfaction with their work and encouraged further tightening of enforcement measures.
The status of GST and VAT appeal cases—including pending and new cases—was also reviewed. The minister emphasized the need for consistent follow-ups, especially against those involved in hooch incidents and illegal liquor trade, to ensure legal accountability.
He instructed Excise teams to intensify operations to prevent any form of bootlegging within the state.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner (Excise) Dhirendra Kumar Tiwari, Secretary (Taxation) Ajit Balaji Joshi, and Excise and Taxation Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal.