Chandigarh, April 7: The Punjab Excise and Taxation Department has successfully collected ₹11,782 crore as of March 31, 2026, surpassing its annual target. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declared on Tuesday that the achievement reflects the success of the state’s proactive governance and trade-friendly policies.
During a financial briefing in Chandigarh, Cheema stated that the excise revenue has witnessed a significant upward trajectory, nearly doubling within a four-year span. He affirmed that the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is now focused on an overall revenue target of ₹12,800 crore for the 2026-27 financial year. “The overall response to the Excise policy 2026-27 has been encouraging,” the Minister asserted.
The Minister maintained that the formulation of the 2026-27 Excise Policy includes a projected license fee target of ₹10,520 crore. He noted that the full allotment of all 207 retail liquor groups across the state indicates a stable environment for the trade. This stability is expected to facilitate enhanced compliance and regulatory efficiency in the months ahead.
Cheema declared that the department will continue to utilize enhanced compliance mechanisms to meet its ambitious financial goals. He stated that the balance between revenue generation and strict enforcement has been key to the department’s recent milestones. The Minister concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to maximizing the state’s financial resources through transparent administrative practices.
