CHANDIGARH, Oct 4:— Punjab’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections surged by 22.35% in the first six months of the 2025–26 financial year, marking one of the strongest performances among Indian states and far exceeding the national average growth of 6%, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said.
Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema informed that the state collected ₹13,971 crore in GST between April and September 2025 — up ₹2,553 crore from ₹11,418 crore in the same period last year. “This growth reflects Punjab’s efficient revenue management and the government’s commitment to financial transparency,” Cheema said.
He noted that Punjab’s strong performance extended beyond GST. Collections from Value Added Tax (VAT) and Central Sales Tax (CST) rose 10%, while Punjab State Development Tax (PSDT) increased 11% during the same period. “These figures are proof of sound fiscal policies and effective administration,” Cheema mentioned.
According to the minister, a series of reforms and stricter enforcement measures implemented by the taxation department have directly boosted revenues. The state blocked illegal input tax credits worth ₹246 crore and registered four major FIRs against large-scale tax frauds in the first half of the fiscal year. Additionally, fines collected from on-road inspections by State Intelligence and Preventive Units increased by 134%, totaling ₹355.72 crore.
Cheema said these results were achieved under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s “honest and development-oriented” leadership. “The entire taxation department deserves credit for their dedication and teamwork, which has placed Punjab among the top-performing states in GST growth,” he added.
Despite broader economic challenges — including a dip in consumer demand, global tariff fluctuations, and disruptions earlier this year — the state managed to maintain steady fiscal momentum. “Even in difficult conditions, Punjab has delivered a record-breaking performance,” Cheema said. “It reflects the government’s clear vision and strong financial management.”
The Finance Minister reaffirmed that Punjab would continue to strengthen its tax systems through digital monitoring and transparent governance. “We are building a system where every rupee collected contributes to the state’s growth,” he noted.
