The Punjab government has achieved another historic milestone under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the state’s GST revenue recorded a remarkable growth rate of 22.35% during the first half of the financial year 2025-26 (April to September). This achievement not only reflects Punjab’s robust revenue management but also places it several times ahead of the national average.
The Finance Minister stated that Punjab collected GST revenue of Rs 13,971 crore during this period, which is Rs 2,553 crore more than the Rs 11,418 crore recorded in the same period last year. Notably, this growth rate is significantly higher than the country’s average of 6%, with Punjab setting a new benchmark by surpassing other states.
Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Punjab government has achieved remarkable results not only in GST but also in other indirect tax categories. VAT and CST recorded a 10% increase, while Punjab State Development Tax (PSDT) grew by 11%. This is a vivid example of Punjab’s economic policies and the efficiency of its tax administration.
He clarified that the recent reforms and transparent system implemented by the taxation department have directly impacted the state’s revenue. Strict campaigns to prevent tax evasion have yielded significant success. During April-September 2025, the department blocked Rs 246 crore of illegal input tax credit and registered four major FIRs against large-scale frauds. Additionally, fines collected through inspections conducted on roads by State Intelligence and Preventive Units increased by 134% to reach Rs 355.72 crore.
The Finance Minister said that credit for these achievements goes to the Punjab government’s honest, transparent, and development-oriented policies. Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, the taxation department team’s dedication and hard work have included Punjab among the leading states in GST growth.
The Punjab government has taken strong steps even in the recent challenging economic environment. Despite obstacles such as the war-like situation in May 2025, tariff impacts on exports, and decline in consumer demand, the state not only maintained revenue growth but also recorded a record-breaking achievement. This is proof of the Punjab government’s visionary thinking and strong financial management.
