The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has significantly boosted the state’s excise revenue since coming to power in March 2022. The introduction of a new excise policy has resulted in record-breaking earnings, setting the state on track to reach ₹10,200 crore in revenue by the end of the 2024-25 financial year.
According to Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the state’s excise revenue had stagnated at ₹6,200 crore during previous governments.
However, under AAP’s new policy:
2022-23 revenue surged to ₹8,428 crore
2023-24 saw further growth to ₹9,235 crore
2024-25 revenue is projected to touch ₹9,565 crore, with expectations of crossing ₹10,200 crore by March 31, 2025.
The remarkable growth in revenue highlights the success of AAP’s reforms in Punjab’s excise sector. The government attributes this surge to greater transparency, efficient tax collection, and policies aimed at curbing illegal liquor trade.
How the Excise Policy Transformed Punjab’s Revenue
Before the AAP government’s intervention, Punjab’s excise earnings had remained stagnant for several years. The new policy introduced structural changes, including stricter enforcement measures, digital tracking of liquor sales, and streamlined licensing processes. The government also cracked down on illicit liquor businesses that previously led to significant revenue leakage.
In addition, officials claim that removing middlemen and implementing a transparent auction system for liquor licenses contributed to the sharp rise in collections. The policy also ensured fair competition in the industry, bringing in more revenue for the state without burdening consumers.
AAP Government’s Vision for Economic Growth
The Bhagwant Mann-led government has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to improving Punjab’s financial health. The rising excise revenue is expected to be reinvested into key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Punjab’s finance department has also outlined plans to introduce further tax reforms and enhance revenue collection efficiency in other sectors. If the current growth trajectory continues, the state could set a new benchmark in financial self-sufficiency within the next few years.
With this momentum, the AAP government is positioning itself as a leader in fiscal management, proving that well-planned policy changes can yield substantial economic benefits for the state.
/dnp-english/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/03/2024-12-03t111212612z-dnp-india-logo-640x480-dnp-news-2.png){kind=logo}
/dnp-english/media/member_avatars/avatar/f87a701aa0feeff2dac903bba1bc7ba9.png )
Follow Us/dnp-english/media/media_files/2025/03/18/M0XmsMQ2bN6pCZxDKTmU.webp)
/dnp-english/media/media_files/2024/12/18/youtube.png){kind=icon}
/dnp-english/media/media_files/2024/12/18/facebook.png){kind=icon}
/dnp-english/media/media_files/2024/12/18/instagram.png){kind=icon}
/dnp-english/media/media_files/2024/12/18/twitter.png){kind=icon}
/dnp-english/media/media_files/2024/12/18/linkedin.png){kind=icon}