Chandigarh, 17 April (H.S.): In a significant move to enhance enforcement capabilities and improve tax compliance, Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday flagged off 25 new Bolero vehicles for the Excise and Taxation Department. The initiative aims to strengthen operational mobility, increase field presence, and curb tax evasion across the state.
Addressing the media, the Minister described the development as a major step forward in improving the department’s on-ground efficiency. He stated that the newly inducted fleet would enable officers to expand their reach and conduct more effective inspections and enforcement operations. The vehicles have been procured at an estimated cost of ₹2.21 crore and will be deployed across various districts, enforcement wings, and mobile units.
Highlighting the importance of the Excise and Taxation Department in strengthening the state’s financial health, Cheema emphasized that strict enforcement of tax laws is crucial for revenue growth. He noted that the department delivered a strong performance in the financial year 2025-26, registering notable growth compared to the previous year.
According to the Minister, gross GST collections witnessed an increase of 11.87 percent, reaching ₹27,744.05 crore, while net GST collections rose by 12.52 percent to ₹26,601.12 crore. Additionally, excise revenue grew by 9.15 percent, touching ₹11,736.57 crore. These figures reflect the department’s consistent efforts to enhance compliance and plug revenue leakages.
Cheema also highlighted the remarkable improvement in enforcement outcomes, particularly by the State Intelligence and Preventive Units (SIPUs). He revealed that penalties imposed through road checking and inspections saw a dramatic rise from ₹321.04 crore in FY 2024-25 to ₹1,384.09 crore in FY 2025-26. This more than fourfold increase underscores the department’s intensified enforcement drive and improved efficiency in detecting violations.
Explaining the strategic significance of the new vehicles, the Minister said they would play a key role in strengthening surveillance of inter-state goods movement and enabling quick response to tax evasion activities. He added that the enhanced mobility would ensure better monitoring, timely investigations, and stronger enforcement at the grassroots level.
Looking ahead, Cheema expressed confidence that the initiative would further boost revenue generation and improve tax compliance across Punjab. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a robust and transparent tax system, stating that such proactive measures are essential to sustain growth and ensure fiscal stability in the coming years.
Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH
