Punjab’s Fiscal Push Gains Momentum
Chandigarh – In a strong move to reinforce fiscal discipline and ensure revenue realization, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the Excise Department has intensified the recovery of long-pending excise arrears. These arrears, he noted, were inherited from previous SAD-BJP and Congress governments.
The department has already recovered ₹1.85 crore in the current financial year 2025–26. Additionally, permission has been granted to sell 27 properties worth ₹20.31 crore at collector rate, marking an important milestone in strengthening fiscal accountability.
Property Auctions Scheduled in September
Minister Cheema revealed that the auction process for these properties has already been initiated. In the first phase, 14 properties located in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, and Mansa districts will be auctioned during the first two weeks of September.
- On September 4, six properties in Mansa and Bathinda—comprising agricultural, commercial, and residential land valued at ₹5.4 crore—will be auctioned.
- On September 8, four agricultural properties in Sri Muktsar Sahib with a base price of ₹4.89 crore will go under the hammer.
- On September 11, another four properties in Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka worth ₹1.99 crore will be auctioned.
Cheema added that eight more properties will be auctioned later in September to maintain momentum in the recovery campaign.
Substantial Recovery Expected from Pending Cases
The Finance Minister emphasized that the Excise Department is working on 67 pending arrears cases this financial year. The auctions, along with continued enforcement measures, are expected to unlock significant revenue for the state exchequer.
“This is not just about recovery of dues,” Cheema explained. “It is about setting a precedent of compliance and ensuring that arrears do not burden Punjab’s future finances.”
Contrasting Past and Present Governance
Drawing a sharp contrast with previous governments, Cheema underlined that during SAD-BJP and Congress regimes, excise arrears had accumulated unchecked. Under the current AAP government, however, license fees are being recovered on time, leaving no scope for pending dues.
He credited Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership for strengthening governance practices. “The recovery of legacy arrears highlights our government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline,” Cheema said.
Commitment to Transparent Governance
The Finance Minister reaffirmed that the excise recovery drive reflects the broader strategy of the AAP-led government to streamline finances and restore public trust. By prioritizing transparent processes such as open auctions, the administration aims to ensure that Punjab’s fiscal health remains stable.
“This campaign shows that the government is not only clearing past liabilities but also creating a system where arrears cannot pile up again,” Cheema added.