Punjab has recorded its highest ever monthly Goods and Services Tax collection, with gross GST revenue touching Rs 2,987.38 crore in April, as the state government attributed the rise to stronger tax administration, intensified enforcement and data driven compliance measures.
Record Collection Marks New Benchmark
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the April figure set a new benchmark in the state’s tax revenue performance. Punjab also recorded a net GST collection of Rs 2,725.08 crore.
The minister said this reflected a year on year net GST growth of 70.70 per cent, amounting to an increase of about Rs 1,129 crore over collections in April 2025. The statement described the result as an exceptional performance for the state.
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Punjab Cites Growth Lead and Adjusted Gains
Cheema said Government of India data showed Punjab recorded 66 per cent growth in post settlement GST, rising from Rs 1,795 crore last year to Rs 2,987 crore. He said this placed Punjab as the highest growing state in the country, ahead of the national average and leading all north Indian states.
The minister also said the year on year comparison had been influenced by an abnormal IGST adjustment of Rs 859 crore from April 2025. After neutralising that factor, he said, Punjab’s adjusted gross growth stood at 12.57 per cent and adjusted net growth at 10.97 per cent. He described this as evidence of sustained and organic improvement in tax administration and compliance.
Enforcement Drive Linked to Revenue Surge
The state government attributed the rise in collections to rigorous administrative measures and intensified enforcement activity across Punjab. Cheema said the state had imposed penalties exceeding Rs 175 crore through extensive use of data analytics, coordinated field action and intelligence based inspections.
He also referred to a special anti evasion drive in the iron and steel sector during April, during which nearly 200 vehicles were detained in a single day. Reaffirming the government’s approach, the minister said Punjab’s ranking in GST revenue mobilisation reflected a taxation strategy that combined technology driven enforcement with taxpayer facilitation, while maintaining strict action against tax evasion.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
