CHANDIGARH, APRIL 17 — To further strengthen the state’s financial health, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has introduced 25 new specialized vehicles into the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department’s enforcement wing. The rollout aims to facilitate prompt inspections and enhance the surveillance of inter-state goods movement to secure the state’s tax base.
Addressing the media, Cheema asserted that the newly inducted fleet will significantly augment the capacity for field officers to carry out investigations and curb evasion. He stated that the department’s increased mobility is essential for maintaining the momentum of recent revenue gains. The Minister noted that net GST collections reached ₹26,601.12 crore this past fiscal year, marking a robust growth of 12.52%.
The Minister affirmed that the state’s enforcement efforts have become increasingly effective, leading to a nearly six-fold rise in penalty recovery. He stated that the dedication of the State Intelligence and Preventive Units has been instrumental in this success. Cheema maintained that the government’s focus remains on utilizing technology and better logistics to stay ahead of those attempting to bypass tax regulations.
Regarding excise performance, Cheema declared that the sector achieved a revenue of ₹11,736.57 crore, showcasing steady year-on-year growth. He noted that the strategic deployment of these vehicles across critical mobile units will allow for more effective ground-level monitoring.
The Finance Minister maintained that the investment in department infrastructure is a proactive measure to ensure that Punjab’s tax infrastructure remains vigilant. He stated that the government’s ultimate goal is to foster an environment of high compliance and transparent revenue generation to support the state’s development projects.
